TireSizesFinder

185/70R14 vs 185/55R16

185/55R16 is 0.19 in (4.7 mm) shorter than 185/70R14, a −0.76% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 185/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is 59.5 mph on 185/55R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.76%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 185/55R16 is a near match for 185/70R14; 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: 185/70R14 (24.20 in) vs 185/55R16 (24.01 in)185/70R1424.20 in × 7.28 in185/55R1624.01 in × 7.28 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
185/70R14 vs 185/55R16 differences
Measurement185/70R14185/55R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter24.20 in (614.6 mm)24.01 in (609.9 mm)−0.19 in (−4.7 mm)−0.76%
Sidewall height5.10 in (129.5 mm)4.01 in (101.8 mm)−1.09 in (−27.7 mm)−21.43%
Section width7.28 in (185.0 mm)7.28 in (185.0 mm)0.00 in (0.0 mm)0.00%
Circumference76.02 in (1,930.8 mm)75.44 in (1,916.1 mm)−0.58 in (−14.8 mm)−0.76%
Revolutions per mile834840+6+0.77%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 185/70R14
IndicatedActual on 185/70R14Actual on 185/55R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.8 mph−0.2 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.5 mph−0.5 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.4 mph−0.6 mph

Ride-height change: 185/55R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.09 in (2.3 mm) at the axle (half the −4.7 mm diameter difference).

185/55R16 is 0.19 in shorter than 185/70R14 and the same width, a 0.76% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 185/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.5 mph on 185/55R16, and revolutions per mile change from 834 to 840.

185/55R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 185/70R14.

Size pages

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