215/55R16 vs 225/55R16 at a glance
| Measure | 215/55R16 (current) | 225/55R16 (new) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall height | 25.31 in | 25.74 in | +0.43 in (+1.71%) |
| Width | 8.46 in (215 mm) | 8.86 in (225 mm) | +10 mm |
| Sidewall | 4.66 in | 4.87 in | +0.22 in |
| Wheel | 16 in | 16 in | +0 in |
| Circumference | 79.5 in | 80.9 in | +1.4 in |
| Revs per mile | 796.8 | 783.4 | −13.4 |
Verdict: close match
Within the 3% rule of thumb, so the speedometer, gearing and ride height change little. Going from 215/55R16 to 225/55R16 is a 1.7% increase in overall height (+0.43 in), and the vehicle sits about 0.22 in higher. The tire is 10 mm wider. The 3% rule of thumb comes from Discount Tire and 1010tires; it is not a guarantee of fit.
True speed and odometer
| Speedometer shows | You are really doing | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 35 mph | 35.6 mph | +0.6 mph |
| 45 mph | 45.8 mph | +0.8 mph |
| 55 mph | 55.9 mph | +0.9 mph |
| 60 mph | 61.0 mph | +1.0 mph |
| 65 mph | 66.1 mph | +1.1 mph |
| 70 mph | 71.2 mph | +1.2 mph |
| 75 mph | 76.3 mph | +1.3 mph |
Odometer: 1,000 indicated miles is 1,017 real miles, and 10,000 is 10,171.
The math
215/55R16: 16 + 2 × (215 × 55% ÷ 25.4) = 25.31 in. 225/55R16: 16 + 2 × (225 × 55% ÷ 25.4) = 25.74 in. Change = 25.74 ÷ 25.31 − 1 = +1.71%. True speed at 60 = 60 × 25.74 ÷ 25.31 = 61.03 mph.
Check next
- Regear and RPM at cruise for this swap
- Speedometer and odometer correction
- Other sizes within ±3% of 215/55R16
Calculated from the size alone. Real tires vary a little by brand and model, and the loaded radius is a bit smaller. Confirm the wheel width range, clearance, load index and speed rating for your vehicle. See how to read a tire size, the load index chart and the speed rating chart.
Size pages: 215/55R16 · 225/55R16. More swaps: all tire size comparisons.