TireSizesFinder

205/60R15 vs 185/60R16

185/60R16 is 0.06 in (1.4 mm) taller than 205/60R15, a +0.22% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.1 mph on 185/60R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.22%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 185/60R16 is a near match for 205/60R15; 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: 205/60R15 (24.69 in) vs 185/60R16 (24.74 in)205/60R1524.69 in × 8.07 in185/60R1624.74 in × 7.28 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
205/60R15 vs 185/60R16 differences
Measurement205/60R15185/60R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter24.69 in (627.0 mm)24.74 in (628.4 mm)+0.06 in (+1.4 mm)+0.22%
Sidewall height4.84 in (123.0 mm)4.37 in (111.0 mm)−0.47 in (−12.0 mm)−9.76%
Section width8.07 in (205.0 mm)7.28 in (185.0 mm)−0.79 in (−20.0 mm)−9.76%
Circumference77.55 in (1,969.8 mm)77.72 in (1,974.2 mm)+0.17 in (+4.4 mm)+0.22%
Revolutions per mile817815−2−0.22%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/60R15
IndicatedActual on 205/60R15Actual on 185/60R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.1 mph+0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.1 mph+0.1 mph
75 mph75.0 mph75.2 mph+0.2 mph

Ride-height change: 185/60R16 raises the vehicle by 0.03 in (0.7 mm) at the axle (half the +1.4 mm diameter difference).

185/60R16 is 0.06 in taller than 205/60R15 and 20 mm narrower, a 0.22% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.1 mph on 185/60R16, and revolutions per mile change from 817 to 815.

185/60R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 205/60R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 205/60R15

Other comparisons with 185/60R16

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