205/60R16 vs 225/55R16

225/55R16 is 0.06 in (1.5 mm) taller than 205/60R16, a +0.23% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/60R16, an indicated 60 mph is 60.1 mph on 225/55R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.23%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 225/55R16 is a near match for 205/60R16; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

205/60R16 vs 225/55R16 differences
Measurement	205/60R16	225/55R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	25.69 in (652.4 mm)	25.74 in (653.9 mm)	+0.06 in (+1.5 mm)	+0.23%
Sidewall height	4.84 in (123.0 mm)	4.87 in (123.8 mm)	+0.03 in (+0.8 mm)	+0.61%
Section width	8.07 in (205.0 mm)	8.86 in (225.0 mm)	+0.79 in (+20.0 mm)	+9.76%
Circumference	80.69 in (2,049.6 mm)	80.88 in (2,054.3 mm)	+0.19 in (+4.7 mm)	+0.23%
Revolutions per mile	785	783	−2	−0.23%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/60R16
Indicated	Actual on 205/60R16	Actual on 225/55R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.1 mph	+0.1 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.1 mph	+0.1 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.2 mph	+0.2 mph

Ride-height change: 225/55R16 raises the vehicle by 0.03 in (0.8 mm) at the axle (half the +1.5 mm diameter difference).

225/55R16 is 0.06 in taller than 205/60R16 and 20 mm wider, a 0.23% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/60R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.1 mph on 225/55R16, and revolutions per mile change from 785 to 783.

Both sizes mount on 16-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 205/60R16

Other comparisons with 225/55R16

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.