225/60R15 vs 225/55R16

225/55R16 is 0.11 in (2.9 mm) taller than 225/60R15, a +0.45% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 225/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.3 mph on 225/55R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.45%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 225/55R16 is a near match for 225/60R15; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

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

225/60R15 vs 225/55R16 differences
Measurement	225/60R15	225/55R16	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	25.63 in (651.0 mm)	25.74 in (653.9 mm)	+0.11 in (+2.9 mm)	+0.45%
Sidewall height	5.31 in (135.0 mm)	4.87 in (123.8 mm)	−0.44 in (−11.2 mm)	−8.33%
Section width	8.86 in (225.0 mm)	8.86 in (225.0 mm)	0.00 in (0.0 mm)	0.00%
Circumference	80.52 in (2,045.2 mm)	80.88 in (2,054.3 mm)	+0.36 in (+9.1 mm)	+0.45%
Revolutions per mile	787	783	−3	−0.44%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 225/60R15
Indicated	Actual on 225/60R15	Actual on 225/55R16	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.1 mph	+0.1 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.3 mph	+0.3 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.3 mph	+0.3 mph

Ride-height change: 225/55R16 raises the vehicle by 0.06 in (1.4 mm) at the axle (half the +2.9 mm diameter difference).

225/55R16 is 0.11 in taller than 225/60R15 and the same width, a 0.45% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 225/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.3 mph on 225/55R16, and revolutions per mile change from 787 to 783.

225/55R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 225/60R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 225/60R15

Other comparisons with 225/55R16

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