205/55R16 vs 215/55R16: Tire Size Comparison
215/55R16 is 0.43 inches taller than 205/55R16 (25.31″ vs 24.88″, +1.74%) and 0.39 inches wider. The difference is within the common ±3% guideline. At an indicated 60 mph you would be doing 61 mph.
| 205/55R16 | 215/55R16 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 24.88 in | 25.31 in | +0.43 |
| Section width | 8.07 in | 8.46 in | +0.39 |
| Sidewall height | 4.44 in | 4.66 in | +0.22 |
| Circumference | 78.2 in | 79.5 in | +1.36 |
| Revolutions per mile | 811 | 797 | −14 |
205/55R16 vs 215/55R16 dimensions
| 205/55R16 | 215/55R16 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 24.88 in (632 mm) | 25.31 in (643 mm) | +0.43 in (+1.74%) |
| Section width | 8.07 in | 8.46 in | +0.39 in |
| Sidewall height | 4.44 in | 4.66 in | +0.22 in |
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 16 in | same wheel |
| Circumference | 78.2 in | 79.5 in | +1.36 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 811 | 797 | -14 |
Nominal dimensions calculated from the size code. Real tires vary slightly by brand, tread depth and inflation.
Speedometer difference with 215/55R16
| Speedometer shows | Actual speed on 215/55R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | 30.5 mph | +0.5 mph |
| 45 mph | 45.8 mph | +0.8 mph |
| 60 mph | 61 mph | +1 mph |
| 70 mph | 71.2 mph | +1.2 mph |
| 80 mph | 81.4 mph | +1.4 mph |
Assumes your speedometer is accurate on 205/55R16. Because 215/55R16 is taller, you travel slightly faster than indicated and the odometer under-counts: 10,000 miles on the odometer is about 10,174 real miles.
What changes if you switch
- Ride height: up about 0.22 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 215/55R16 instead of 205/55R16?
215/55R16 is +1.74% in overall diameter compared with 205/55R16 (25.31″ vs 24.88″). That is inside the common ±3% guideline, so it is often used as an alternative. Check your vehicle placard, load index, speed rating and clearance before switching.
How much taller is 215/55R16 than 205/55R16?
215/55R16 is 0.43 inches taller overall, which raises ride height by about 0.22 inches. Sidewall height changes from 4.44″ to 4.66″.
How much wider is 215/55R16 than 205/55R16?
Section width goes from 8.07″ (205 mm) to 8.46″ (215 mm), a difference of +0.39 in. Actual width also depends on the rim width it is mounted on.
How does 215/55R16 affect my speedometer?
With 215/55R16 fitted in place of 205/55R16, when the speedometer shows 60 mph you are actually going about 61 mph. The odometer will record 10,000 miles when you have driven about 10,174.