TireSizesFinder

215/60R15 vs 205/55R16

205/55R16 is 0.28 in (7.1 mm) shorter than 215/60R15, a −1.11% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 215/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.3 mph on 205/55R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.11%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 205/55R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 215/60R15. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 215/60R15 (25.16 in) vs 205/55R16 (24.88 in)215/60R1525.16 in × 8.46 in205/55R1624.88 in × 8.07 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
215/60R15 vs 205/55R16 differences
Measurement215/60R15205/55R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter25.16 in (639.0 mm)24.88 in (631.9 mm)−0.28 in (−7.1 mm)−1.11%
Sidewall height5.08 in (129.0 mm)4.44 in (112.8 mm)−0.64 in (−16.2 mm)−12.60%
Section width8.46 in (215.0 mm)8.07 in (205.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−4.65%
Circumference79.03 in (2,007.5 mm)78.16 in (1,985.2 mm)−0.88 in (−22.3 mm)−1.11%
Revolutions per mile802811+9+1.12%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 215/60R15
IndicatedActual on 215/60R15Actual on 205/55R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.7 mph−0.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.3 mph−0.7 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.2 mph−0.8 mph

Ride-height change: 205/55R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.14 in (3.6 mm) at the axle (half the −7.1 mm diameter difference).

205/55R16 is 0.28 in shorter than 215/60R15 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.11% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 215/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.3 mph on 205/55R16, and revolutions per mile change from 802 to 811.

205/55R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 215/60R15.

Size pages

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