155/80R14 vs 185/55R16

185/55R16 is 0.25 in (6.3 mm) taller than 155/80R14, a +1.04% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 155/80R14, an indicated 60 mph is 60.6 mph on 185/55R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.04%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 185/55R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 155/80R14. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 155/80R14 (23.76 in) vs 185/55R16 (24.01 in)155/80R1423.76 in × 6.10 in185/55R1624.01 in × 7.28 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
155/80R14 vs 185/55R16 differences
Measurement155/80R14185/55R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter23.76 in (603.6 mm)24.01 in (609.9 mm)+0.25 in (+6.3 mm)+1.04%
Sidewall height4.88 in (124.0 mm)4.01 in (101.8 mm)−0.88 in (−22.2 mm)−17.94%
Section width6.10 in (155.0 mm)7.28 in (185.0 mm)+1.18 in (+30.0 mm)+19.35%
Circumference74.66 in (1,896.3 mm)75.44 in (1,916.1 mm)+0.78 in (+19.8 mm)+1.04%
Revolutions per mile849840−9−1.03%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 155/80R14
IndicatedActual on 155/80R14Actual on 185/55R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.3 mph+0.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.6 mph+0.6 mph
75 mph75.0 mph75.8 mph+0.8 mph

Ride-height change: 185/55R16 raises the vehicle by 0.12 in (3.2 mm) at the axle (half the +6.3 mm diameter difference).

185/55R16 is 0.25 in taller than 155/80R14 and 30 mm wider, a 1.04% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 155/80R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.6 mph on 185/55R16, and revolutions per mile change from 849 to 840.

185/55R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 155/80R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 155/80R14

Other comparisons with 185/55R16

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.