205/65R15 vs 225/55R16

225/55R16 is 0.25 in (6.4 mm) taller than 205/65R15, a +0.99% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.6 mph on 225/55R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.99%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 225/55R16 is a near match for 205/65R15; 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: 205/65R15 (25.49 in) vs 225/55R16 (25.74 in)205/65R1525.49 in × 8.07 in225/55R1625.74 in × 8.86 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
205/65R15 vs 225/55R16 differences
Measurement205/65R15225/55R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter25.49 in (647.5 mm)25.74 in (653.9 mm)+0.25 in (+6.4 mm)+0.99%
Sidewall height5.25 in (133.3 mm)4.87 in (123.8 mm)−0.37 in (−9.5 mm)−7.13%
Section width8.07 in (205.0 mm)8.86 in (225.0 mm)+0.79 in (+20.0 mm)+9.76%
Circumference80.09 in (2,034.2 mm)80.88 in (2,054.3 mm)+0.79 in (+20.1 mm)+0.99%
Revolutions per mile791783−8−0.98%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/65R15
IndicatedActual on 205/65R15Actual on 225/55R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.3 mph+0.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.6 mph+0.6 mph
75 mph75.0 mph75.7 mph+0.7 mph

Ride-height change: 225/55R16 raises the vehicle by 0.13 in (3.2 mm) at the axle (half the +6.4 mm diameter difference).

225/55R16 is 0.25 in taller than 205/65R15 and 20 mm wider, a 0.99% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.6 mph on 225/55R16, and revolutions per mile change from 791 to 783.

225/55R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 205/65R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 205/65R15

Other comparisons with 225/55R16

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