215/60R16 vs 215/55R17: Tire Size Comparison
215/55R17 is 0.15 inches taller than 215/60R16 (26.31″ vs 26.16″, +0.59%) and 0 inches wider. The difference is within the common ±3% guideline. At an indicated 60 mph you would be doing 60.4 mph.
| 215/60R16 | 215/55R17 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 26.16 in | 26.31 in | +0.15 |
| Section width | 8.46 in | 8.46 in | +0 |
| Sidewall height | 5.08 in | 4.66 in | −0.42 |
| Circumference | 82.2 in | 82.7 in | +0.48 |
| Revolutions per mile | 771 | 767 | −4 |
215/60R16 vs 215/55R17 dimensions
| 215/60R16 | 215/55R17 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 26.16 in (664 mm) | 26.31 in (668 mm) | +0.15 in (+0.59%) |
| Section width | 8.46 in | 8.46 in | +0 in |
| Sidewall height | 5.08 in | 4.66 in | −0.42 in |
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 17 in | +1 in |
| Circumference | 82.2 in | 82.7 in | +0.48 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 771 | 767 | -4 |
Nominal dimensions calculated from the size code. Real tires vary slightly by brand, tread depth and inflation.
Speedometer difference with 215/55R17
| Speedometer shows | Actual speed on 215/55R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | 30.2 mph | +0.2 mph |
| 45 mph | 45.3 mph | +0.3 mph |
| 60 mph | 60.4 mph | +0.4 mph |
| 70 mph | 70.4 mph | +0.4 mph |
| 80 mph | 80.5 mph | +0.5 mph |
Assumes your speedometer is accurate on 215/60R16. Because 215/55R17 is taller, you travel slightly faster than indicated and the odometer under-counts: 10,000 miles on the odometer is about 10,059 real miles.
What changes if you switch
- Ride height: up about 0.08 in (half the diameter change).
- Wheels: 215/55R17 needs a 17-inch wheel, so this is a wheel-and-tire change, not just new tires.
- Sidewall: a shorter sidewall usually sharpens steering but rides firmer and is more prone to pothole damage.
- 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 215/55R17 instead of 215/60R16?
215/55R17 is +0.59% in overall diameter compared with 215/60R16 (26.31″ vs 26.16″). That is inside the common ±3% guideline, so it is often used as an alternative and it needs a 17-inch wheel instead of 16-inch. Check your vehicle placard, load index, speed rating and clearance before switching.
How much taller is 215/55R17 than 215/60R16?
215/55R17 is 0.15 inches taller overall, which raises ride height by about 0.08 inches. Sidewall height changes from 5.08″ to 4.66″.
How much wider is 215/55R17 than 215/60R16?
Section width goes from 8.46″ (215 mm) to 8.46″ (215 mm), a difference of +0 in. Actual width also depends on the rim width it is mounted on.
How does 215/55R17 affect my speedometer?
With 215/55R17 fitted in place of 215/60R16, when the speedometer shows 60 mph you are actually going about 60.4 mph. The odometer will record 10,000 miles when you have driven about 10,059.