TireSizesFinder

225/65R15 vs 205/65R16

205/65R16 is 0.02 in (0.6 mm) shorter than 225/65R15, a −0.09% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 225/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.9 mph on 205/65R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.09%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 205/65R16 is a near match for 225/65R15; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 225/65R15 (26.52 in) vs 205/65R16 (26.49 in)225/65R1526.52 in × 8.86 in205/65R1626.49 in × 8.07 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
225/65R15 vs 205/65R16 differences
Measurement225/65R15205/65R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter26.52 in (673.5 mm)26.49 in (672.9 mm)−0.02 in (−0.6 mm)−0.09%
Sidewall height5.76 in (146.3 mm)5.25 in (133.3 mm)−0.51 in (−13.0 mm)−8.89%
Section width8.86 in (225.0 mm)8.07 in (205.0 mm)−0.79 in (−20.0 mm)−8.89%
Circumference83.30 in (2,115.9 mm)83.23 in (2,114.0 mm)−0.07 in (−1.9 mm)−0.09%
Revolutions per mile761761+1+0.09%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 225/65R15
IndicatedActual on 225/65R15Actual on 205/65R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.0 mph0.0 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.9 mph−0.1 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.9 mph−0.1 mph

Ride-height change: 205/65R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.01 in (0.3 mm) at the axle (half the −0.6 mm diameter difference).

205/65R16 is 0.02 in shorter than 225/65R15 and 20 mm narrower, a 0.09% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 225/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.9 mph on 205/65R16, and revolutions per mile change from 761 to 761.

205/65R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 225/65R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 225/65R15

Other comparisons with 205/65R16

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