CarSpecsHQ

225/50R16 vs 205/60R16

205/60R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/50R16: the diameter differs by +3.33%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

16" rim
225/50R16 24.86" · 205/60R16 25.69" · drawn to scale

Side by side

225/50R16205/60R16Difference
Overall diameter24.86"25.69"+0.83" (+3.33%)
Section width225 mm205 mm-20 mm
Sidewall4.43"4.84"+0.41"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference78.1"80.7"+2.6"
Revs per mile811785-26
Ride height——+0.41"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.0+2.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.0 mph

With 205/60R16 on a car calibrated for 225/50R16, the speedometer reads 58.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.3%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.0 mph
70 mph72.3 mph
80 mph82.7 mph

Other sizes close to 225/50R16

Questions

Can I replace 225/50R16 with 205/60R16?

205/60R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/50R16: the diameter differs by +3.33%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 225/50R16 and 205/60R16?

205/60R16 is 0.83" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.41". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.0 mph.

Will 205/60R16 fit on 225/50R16 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.