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205/55R16 vs 205/65R15 tire size comparison

205/55R16205/65R15

205/65R15 is 0.6 in (2.47%) taller than 205/55R16, with the same section width. They fit different wheels: 205/55R16 a 16-inch wheel and 205/65R15 a 15-inch wheel.

205/55R16 and 205/65R15 side by side

+0.6 in / +2.47%205/55R16: 24.9 in tall, solid line205/65R15: 25.5 in tall, dashed line205/55R16Width 8.1 in (205 mm)Sidewall 4.4 in (113 mm)205/65R15Width 8.1 in (205 mm)Sidewall 5.2 in (133 mm)
205/55R16 is drawn with a solid line and 205/65R15 with a dashed line. In each drawing both tires are to the same scale; the tread shoulder and bead curves are simplified. The table below has the same numbers.
Dimensions of 205/55R16 and 205/65R15, with the difference (205/65R15 minus 205/55R16)
Measurement205/55R16205/65R15DifferenceDifference %
Section width8.1 in (205 mm)8.1 in (205 mm)0.0 in (0 mm)0.00%
Sidewall height4.4 in (113 mm)5.2 in (133 mm)+0.8 in (+20 mm)+18.18%
Wheel (rim) diameter16.0 in (406 mm)15.0 in (381 mm)-1.0 in (-25 mm)-6.25%
Overall diameter24.9 in (632 mm)25.5 in (648 mm)+0.6 in (+16 mm)+2.47%
Circumference78.2 in (1985 mm)80.1 in (2034 mm)+1.9 in (+49 mm)+2.47%
Revolutions per mile811791-20-2.41%

Differences are 205/65R15 minus 205/55R16; percentages are relative to 205/55R16. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

The overall diameter differs by 2.47%, which is within the common 3% rule of thumb.

The rule of thumb keeps a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. It covers diameter only. It is not a fit, load or safety check, because width, wheel diameter, load capacity and clearance matter too. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Speedometer difference

When the speedometer reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 205/55R16, the actual speed on 205/65R15 is about 61.5 mph. When it reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 205/65R15, the actual speed on 205/55R16 is about 58.6 mph. These figures assume the speedometer is accurate on the original size and use nominal dimensions, so treat them as estimates.

Actual speed for a given speedometer reading, 205/55R16 against 205/65R15
Speedometer readsActual on 205/65R15 (built for 205/55R16)Actual on 205/55R16 (built for 205/65R15)
20 mph20.5 mph19.5 mph
30 mph30.7 mph29.3 mph
40 mph41.0 mph39.0 mph
50 mph51.2 mph48.8 mph
60 mph61.5 mph58.6 mph
70 mph71.7 mph68.3 mph
80 mph82.0 mph78.1 mph

A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Check the tire placard on the driver's door jamb and your owner's manual for the sizes your vehicle was built for. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Which vehicles use each size?

These vehicles list the size among their verified sizes, by trim. Open one to see all of its sizes.

Check it in the calculator

The calculator takes the same two sizes and shows the full comparison, or lets you swap either one for another size.

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Shop for 205/55R16 or 205/65R15 tires

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Other comparisons with 205/55R16

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

Other comparisons with 205/65R15

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 205/65R15 in overall diameter.

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