27x8.50R14 vs 225/60R16

225/60R16 is 0.37 in (9.4 mm) shorter than 27x8.50R14, a −1.37% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 27x8.50R14, an indicated 60 mph is 59.2 mph on 225/60R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.37%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 225/60R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 27x8.50R14. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 27x8.50R14 (27.00 in) vs 225/60R16 (26.63 in)27x8.50R1427.00 in × 8.50 in225/60R1626.63 in × 8.86 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
27x8.50R14 vs 225/60R16 differences
Measurement27x8.50R14225/60R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter27.00 in (685.8 mm)26.63 in (676.4 mm)−0.37 in (−9.4 mm)−1.37%
Sidewall height6.50 in (165.1 mm)5.31 in (135.0 mm)−1.19 in (−30.1 mm)−18.23%
Section width8.50 in (215.9 mm)8.86 in (225.0 mm)+0.36 in (+9.1 mm)+4.21%
Circumference84.82 in (2,154.5 mm)83.66 in (2,125.0 mm)−1.16 in (−29.5 mm)−1.37%
Revolutions per mile747757+10+1.39%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 27x8.50R14
IndicatedActual on 27x8.50R14Actual on 225/60R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.6 mph−0.4 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.2 mph−0.8 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.0 mph−1.0 mph

Ride-height change: 225/60R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.19 in (4.7 mm) at the axle (half the −9.4 mm diameter difference).

225/60R16 is 0.37 in shorter than 27x8.50R14 and 9 mm wider, a 1.37% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 27x8.50R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.2 mph on 225/60R16, and revolutions per mile change from 747 to 757.

225/60R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 27x8.50R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 27x8.50R14

Other comparisons with 225/60R16

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