205/55R16 vs 205/60R16: Tire Size Comparison
205/60R16 is 0.81 inches taller than 205/55R16 (25.69″ vs 24.88″, +3.24%) and 0 inches wider. The difference is outside the common ±3% guideline. At an indicated 60 mph you would be doing 61.9 mph.
| 205/55R16 | 205/60R16 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 24.88 in | 25.69 in | +0.81 |
| Section width | 8.07 in | 8.07 in | +0 |
| Sidewall height | 4.44 in | 4.84 in | +0.4 |
| Circumference | 78.2 in | 80.7 in | +2.54 |
| Revolutions per mile | 811 | 785 | −25 |
205/55R16 vs 205/60R16 dimensions
| 205/55R16 | 205/60R16 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 24.88 in (632 mm) | 25.69 in (652 mm) | +0.81 in (+3.24%) |
| Section width | 8.07 in | 8.07 in | +0 in |
| Sidewall height | 4.44 in | 4.84 in | +0.4 in |
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 16 in | same wheel |
| Circumference | 78.2 in | 80.7 in | +2.54 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 811 | 785 | -25 |
Nominal dimensions calculated from the size code. Real tires vary slightly by brand, tread depth and inflation.
Speedometer difference with 205/60R16
| Speedometer shows | Actual speed on 205/60R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31 mph | +1 mph |
| 45 mph | 46.5 mph | +1.5 mph |
| 60 mph | 61.9 mph | +1.9 mph |
| 70 mph | 72.3 mph | +2.3 mph |
| 80 mph | 82.6 mph | +2.6 mph |
Assumes your speedometer is accurate on 205/55R16. Because 205/60R16 is taller, you travel slightly faster than indicated and the odometer under-counts: 10,000 miles on the odometer is about 10,324 real miles.
What changes if you switch
- Ride height: up about 0.4 in (half the diameter change).
- Wheels: both fit a 16-inch wheel; check the tire's approved rim width range.
- Sidewall: a taller sidewall usually rides softer and resists pothole damage, with a little less steering sharpness.
- Effective gearing: slightly taller, so marginally lower engine rpm at speed and slightly slower acceleration.
- Match the original load index and speed rating or higher, and check for rubbing at full steering lock and full suspension compression.
Related tire size comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Can I use 205/60R16 instead of 205/55R16?
205/60R16 is +3.24% in overall diameter compared with 205/55R16 (25.69″ vs 24.88″). That is outside the common ±3% guideline, so it is a bigger change that may affect the speedometer, ABS and clearance. Check your vehicle placard, load index, speed rating and clearance before switching.
How much taller is 205/60R16 than 205/55R16?
205/60R16 is 0.81 inches taller overall, which raises ride height by about 0.4 inches. Sidewall height changes from 4.44″ to 4.84″.
How much wider is 205/60R16 than 205/55R16?
Section width goes from 8.07″ (205 mm) to 8.07″ (205 mm), a difference of +0 in. Actual width also depends on the rim width it is mounted on.
How does 205/60R16 affect my speedometer?
With 205/60R16 fitted in place of 205/55R16, when the speedometer shows 60 mph you are actually going about 61.9 mph. The odometer will record 10,000 miles when you have driven about 10,324.