CarSpecsHQ

215/55R16 vs 225/60R16

225/60R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/55R16: the diameter differs by +5.21%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

16" rim
215/55R16 25.31" · 225/60R16 26.63" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/55R16225/60R16Difference
Overall diameter25.31"26.63"+1.32" (+5.21%)
Section width215 mm225 mm+10 mm
Sidewall4.66"5.31"+0.66"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference79.5"83.7"+4.1"
Revs per mile797757-39
Ride height——+0.66"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.1+3.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.1 mph

With 225/60R16 on a car calibrated for 215/55R16, the speedometer reads 57.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.6 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.1 mph
70 mph73.6 mph
80 mph84.2 mph

Other sizes close to 215/55R16

Questions

Can I replace 215/55R16 with 225/60R16?

225/60R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/55R16: the diameter differs by +5.21%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/55R16 and 225/60R16?

225/60R16 is 1.32" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.66". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.

Will 225/60R16 fit on 215/55R16 wheels?

Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 225 mm tire and the fender clearance.