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205/55R16 tires: size explained

205/55R16

205/55R16 is a Euro-metric tire size. It is about 24.9 in (632 mm) tall, 205 mm wide, and made for a 16-inch wheel.

What 205/55R16 means

A tire size describes the tire's shape and the wheel it fits. It says nothing about load capacity or speed capability, which are printed separately on the sidewall.

No letterEuro-metric
With no letter in front of the width, this is a Euro-metric size (also called hard metric). It has the same dimensions as the P-metric version but is built to a different load standard, so its load capacity can differ.
205Section width
The tire's width is 205 millimeters (8.1 in), measured from sidewall to sidewall.
55Aspect ratio
The sidewall height is 55% of the width. For 205 mm that is about 4.4 in (113 mm). A smaller number means a shorter sidewall.
RRadial construction
R means radial construction, where the internal cords run across the tire from one edge to the other.
16Wheel (rim) diameter
The tire is made for a wheel 16 inches across. Its overall diameter is larger: about 24.9 in (632 mm).

205/55R16 dimensions

24.9 inOverall diameter: 24.9 in (632 mm)Rim diameter: 16.0 in (406 mm)Sidewall height: 4.4 in (113 mm)8.1 inSection width: 8.1 in (205 mm)Sidewall height: 4.4 in (113 mm)
Each drawing is to scale on its own. The curves of the tread shoulder and bead are simplified; the table below has the same numbers.
Section width
8.1 in (205 mm)
Sidewall height
4.4 in (113 mm)
Wheel (rim) diameter
16.0 in (406 mm)
Overall diameter
24.9 in (632 mm)
Circumference
78.2 in (1985 mm)
Revolutions per mile
811

These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

Which vehicles use 205/55R16?

These vehicles list 205/55R16 among their verified sizes, by trim. Open one to see all of its sizes.

Showing 100 of 116 vehicles.

Shop for 205/55R16 tires

Confirm the size on your tire sidewall or door placard first. These links open each store's own search for 205/55R16; prices and stock are on their sites.

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Snow chains and tire socks for 205/55R16

Where winter roads call for extra traction, chains and tire socks are two options that fit over your tires. They are made for specific tire sizes, so these links open Amazon searches for 205/55R16. Whether they suit your vehicle depends on its clearance and the local rules.

Snow chains for 205/55R16 (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)Tire socks for 205/55R16 (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)

Paid links to Amazon search results. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Before you buy

  • Chains and socks are sold by tire size, so match the size on your sidewall exactly.
  • Check your owner's manual first: many newer cars and SUVs limit or prohibit chains, or require low-profile (often called SAE Class S) chains because of tight wheel-well clearance.
  • Tire socks are a lighter-duty option; check your state's rules, because some areas only accept chains when chain controls are in effect.
  • Put them on the drive wheels (or as your manual says) and follow the maker's speed limit.

Similar sizes

These common sizes have an overall diameter within about 3% of 205/55R16. A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Common sizes with an overall diameter close to 205/55R16
SizeWheel diameterDiameter differenceCalculator
225/45R1717 in (different)+0.38%Compare 205/55R16 with 225/45R17
195/65R1515 in (different)+0.41%Compare 205/55R16 with 195/65R15
185/65R1515 in (different)-1.65%Compare 205/55R16 with 185/65R15

Same dimensions, different load standard

P205/55R16 (P-metric) has the same dimensions as 205/55R16, but it is built to a different load standard. Check the load index on the sidewall rather than assuming the two are interchangeable.

Compare 205/55R16 with similar sizes

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 205/55R16 in overall diameter.

Compare 205/55R16 with another size

See how another size differs in height, width, sidewall and speedometer reading in the tire size calculator.

Compare 205/55R16 with another size

Questions about 205/55R16

What does 205/55R16 mean?

205/55R16 describes the shape and size of a tire, not how much it can carry or how fast it can go. 205 is the width in millimeters, 55 is the sidewall height as a percentage of that width (about 113 mm), R is the construction type and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches.

How tall is a 205/55R16 tire?

A 205/55R16 tire has a nominal overall diameter of about 24.9 in (632 mm), with a sidewall about 4.4 in (113 mm) tall. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

How many revolutions per mile does a 205/55R16 tire make?

About 811 revolutions per mile, based on a circumference of 78.2 in (1985 mm). A vehicle's speedometer and odometer are calibrated to the tire size it was built with, so a size with a different overall diameter changes what they read. A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Is 205/55R16 the same as P205/55R16?

They have the same dimensions: both are about 24.9 in (632 mm) tall and 205 mm wide. They are built to different load standards, though (Euro-metric and P-metric), so the load a tire can carry can differ. Check the load index on the sidewall, and ask a tire professional or your owner's manual before treating them as interchangeable.

Which sizes have a similar diameter to 205/55R16?

Among the common sizes we list, these are within about 3% of the overall diameter of 205/55R16: 225/45R17 (+0.38%), 195/65R15 (+0.41%), 185/65R15 (-1.65%). Diameter is only one measure. Width, wheel diameter, load capacity and clearance matter too. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

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Paid links to Amazon search results. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read our affiliate disclosure.