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215/55R16 tires: size explained

215/55R16

215/55R16 is a Euro-metric tire size. It is about 25.3 in (643 mm) tall, 215 mm wide, and made for a 16-inch wheel.

What 215/55R16 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.
215Section width
The tire's width is 215 millimeters (8.5 in), measured from sidewall to sidewall.
55Aspect ratio
The sidewall height is 55% of the width. For 215 mm that is about 4.7 in (118 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 25.3 in (643 mm).

215/55R16 dimensions

25.3 inOverall diameter: 25.3 in (643 mm)Rim diameter: 16.0 in (406 mm)Sidewall height: 4.7 in (118 mm)8.5 inSection width: 8.5 in (215 mm)Sidewall height: 4.7 in (118 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
8.5 in (215 mm)
Sidewall height
4.7 in (118 mm)
Wheel (rim) diameter
16.0 in (406 mm)
Overall diameter
25.3 in (643 mm)
Circumference
79.5 in (2020 mm)
Revolutions per mile
797

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

Which vehicles use 215/55R16?

These vehicles list 215/55R16 among their verified sizes, by trim. Open one to see all of its sizes.

Shop for 215/55R16 tires

Confirm the size on your tire sidewall or door placard first. These links open each store's own search for 215/55R16; prices and stock are on their sites.

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Snow chains and tire socks for 215/55R16

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 215/55R16. Whether they suit your vehicle depends on its clearance and the local rules.

Snow chains for 215/55R16 (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)Tire socks for 215/55R16 (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 215/55R16. 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 215/55R16
SizeWheel diameterDiameter differenceCalculator
205/60R1616 in (same)+1.48%Compare 215/55R16 with 205/60R16
205/55R1616 in (same)-1.71%Compare 215/55R16 with 205/55R16
195/65R1515 in (different)-1.31%Compare 215/55R16 with 195/65R15
225/45R1717 in (different)-1.34%Compare 215/55R16 with 225/45R17
225/50R1717 in (different)+2.16%Compare 215/55R16 with 225/50R17

Same dimensions, different load standard

P215/55R16 (P-metric) has the same dimensions as 215/55R16, but it is built to a different load standard. Check the load index on the sidewall rather than assuming the two are interchangeable.

Compare 215/55R16 with similar sizes

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 215/55R16 in overall diameter.

Compare 215/55R16 with another size

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

Compare 215/55R16 with another size

Questions about 215/55R16

What does 215/55R16 mean?

215/55R16 describes the shape and size of a tire, not how much it can carry or how fast it can go. 215 is the width in millimeters, 55 is the sidewall height as a percentage of that width (about 118 mm), R is the construction type and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches.

How tall is a 215/55R16 tire?

A 215/55R16 tire has a nominal overall diameter of about 25.3 in (643 mm), with a sidewall about 4.7 in (118 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 215/55R16 tire make?

About 797 revolutions per mile, based on a circumference of 79.5 in (2020 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 215/55R16 the same as P215/55R16?

They have the same dimensions: both are about 25.3 in (643 mm) tall and 215 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 215/55R16?

Among the common sizes we list, these are within about 3% of the overall diameter of 215/55R16: 205/60R16 (+1.48%), 205/55R16 (-1.71%), 195/65R15 (-1.31%), and 2 more. 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.