215/65R15 vs 225/55R16

225/55R16 is 0.26 in (6.6 mm) shorter than 215/65R15, a −1.00% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 215/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.4 mph on 225/55R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.00%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 225/55R16 is a near match for 215/65R15; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

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

215/65R15 vs 225/55R16 differences
Measurement	215/65R15	225/55R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	26.00 in (660.5 mm)	25.74 in (653.9 mm)	−0.26 in (−6.6 mm)	−1.00%
Sidewall height	5.50 in (139.8 mm)	4.87 in (123.8 mm)	−0.63 in (−16.0 mm)	−11.45%
Section width	8.46 in (215.0 mm)	8.86 in (225.0 mm)	+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)	+4.65%
Circumference	81.69 in (2,075.0 mm)	80.88 in (2,054.3 mm)	−0.82 in (−20.7 mm)	−1.00%
Revolutions per mile	776	783	+8	+1.01%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 215/65R15
Indicated	Actual on 215/65R15	Actual on 225/55R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	29.7 mph	−0.3 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	59.4 mph	−0.6 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	74.3 mph	−0.7 mph

Ride-height change: 225/55R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.13 in (3.3 mm) at the axle (half the −6.6 mm diameter difference).

225/55R16 is 0.26 in shorter than 215/65R15 and 10 mm wider, a 1.00% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 215/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.4 mph on 225/55R16, and revolutions per mile change from 776 to 783.

225/55R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 215/65R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 215/65R15

Other comparisons with 225/55R16

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