CarSpecsHQ

205/55R16 vs 205/60R16

205/60R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/55R16: the diameter differs by +3.24%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

16" rim
205/55R16 24.88" · 205/60R16 25.69" · drawn to scale

Side by side

205/55R16205/60R16Difference
Overall diameter24.88"25.69"+0.81" (+3.24%)
Section width205 mm205 mm0 mm
Sidewall4.44"4.84"+0.40"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference78.2"80.7"+2.5"
Revs per mile811785-25
Ride height——+0.40"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.9+1.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.9 mph

With 205/60R16 on a car calibrated for 205/55R16, the speedometer reads 58.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph61.9 mph
70 mph72.3 mph
80 mph82.6 mph

Other sizes close to 205/55R16

Questions

Can I replace 205/55R16 with 205/60R16?

205/60R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/55R16: the diameter differs by +3.24%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 205/55R16 and 205/60R16?

205/60R16 is 0.81" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.40". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.9 mph.

Will 205/60R16 fit on 205/55R16 wheels?

Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 205 mm tire and the fender clearance.