TireSizesFinder

205/60R15 vs 195/55R16

195/55R16 is 0.24 in (6.1 mm) shorter than 205/60R15, a −0.97% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.4 mph on 195/55R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.97%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 195/55R16 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 195/55R16 (24.44 in)205/60R1524.69 in × 8.07 in195/55R1624.44 in × 7.68 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
205/60R15 vs 195/55R16 differences
Measurement205/60R15195/55R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter24.69 in (627.0 mm)24.44 in (620.9 mm)−0.24 in (−6.1 mm)−0.97%
Sidewall height4.84 in (123.0 mm)4.22 in (107.3 mm)−0.62 in (−15.7 mm)−12.80%
Section width8.07 in (205.0 mm)7.68 in (195.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−4.88%
Circumference77.55 in (1,969.8 mm)76.80 in (1,950.6 mm)−0.75 in (−19.2 mm)−0.97%
Revolutions per mile817825+8+0.98%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/60R15
IndicatedActual on 205/60R15Actual on 195/55R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.7 mph−0.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.4 mph−0.6 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.3 mph−0.7 mph

Ride-height change: 195/55R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.12 in (3.1 mm) at the axle (half the −6.1 mm diameter difference).

195/55R16 is 0.24 in shorter than 205/60R15 and 10 mm narrower, a 0.97% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.4 mph on 195/55R16, and revolutions per mile change from 817 to 825.

195/55R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 205/60R15.

Size pages

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