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.
| Measurement | 155/80R14 | 185/55R16 | Difference | % diff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 23.76 in (603.6 mm) | 24.01 in (609.9 mm) | +0.25 in (+6.3 mm) | +1.04% |
| Sidewall height | 4.88 in (124.0 mm) | 4.01 in (101.8 mm) | −0.88 in (−22.2 mm) | −17.94% |
| Section width | 6.10 in (155.0 mm) | 7.28 in (185.0 mm) | +1.18 in (+30.0 mm) | +19.35% |
| Circumference | 74.66 in (1,896.3 mm) | 75.44 in (1,916.1 mm) | +0.78 in (+19.8 mm) | +1.04% |
| Revolutions per mile | 849 | 840 | −9 | −1.03% |
| Indicated | Actual on 155/80R14 | Actual on 185/55R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | 30.0 mph | 30.3 mph | +0.3 mph |
| 60 mph | 60.0 mph | 60.6 mph | +0.6 mph |
| 75 mph | 75.0 mph | 75.8 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
- 165/80R13 vs 155/80R14
- 175/80R13 vs 155/80R14
- 185/65R14 vs 155/80R14
- 175/70R14 vs 155/80R14
- 205/60R14 vs 155/80R14
- 155/80R14 vs 195/65R14
- 155/80R14 vs 185/70R14
- 155/80R14 vs 215/50R15
Other comparisons with 185/55R16
- 195/65R14 vs 185/55R16
- 185/70R14 vs 185/55R16
- 185/60R15 vs 185/55R16
- 225/50R15 vs 185/55R16
- 205/55R15 vs 185/55R16
- 175/65R15 vs 185/55R16
- 195/60R15 vs 185/55R16
- 185/55R16 vs 205/50R16
Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.