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205/65R16 vs 215/55R17 tire size comparison

205/65R16215/55R17

215/55R17 is 0.2 in (0.68%) shorter than 205/65R16 and 0.4 in wider. They fit different wheels: 205/65R16 a 16-inch wheel and 215/55R17 a 17-inch wheel.

205/65R16 and 215/55R17 side by side

-0.2 in / -0.68%205/65R16: 26.5 in tall, solid line215/55R17: 26.3 in tall, dashed line205/65R16Width 8.1 in (205 mm)Sidewall 5.2 in (133 mm)215/55R17Width 8.5 in (215 mm)Sidewall 4.7 in (118 mm)
205/65R16 is drawn with a solid line and 215/55R17 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 205/65R16 and 215/55R17, with the difference (215/55R17 minus 205/65R16)
Measurement205/65R16215/55R17DifferenceDifference %
Section width8.1 in (205 mm)8.5 in (215 mm)+0.4 in (+10 mm)+4.88%
Sidewall height5.2 in (133 mm)4.7 in (118 mm)-0.5 in (-15 mm)-11.26%
Wheel (rim) diameter16.0 in (406 mm)17.0 in (432 mm)+1.0 in (+26 mm)+6.25%
Overall diameter26.5 in (673 mm)26.3 in (668 mm)-0.2 in (-5 mm)-0.68%
Circumference83.2 in (2114 mm)82.7 in (2100 mm)-0.5 in (-14 mm)-0.68%
Revolutions per mile761767+6+0.69%

Differences are 215/55R17 minus 205/65R16; percentages are relative to 205/65R16. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

The overall diameter differs by 0.68%, 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 205/65R16, the actual speed on 215/55R17 is about 59.6 mph. When it reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 215/55R17, the actual speed on 205/65R16 is about 60.4 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, 205/65R16 against 215/55R17
Speedometer readsActual on 215/55R17 (built for 205/65R16)Actual on 205/65R16 (built for 215/55R17)
20 mph19.9 mph20.1 mph
30 mph29.8 mph30.2 mph
40 mph39.7 mph40.3 mph
50 mph49.7 mph50.3 mph
60 mph59.6 mph60.4 mph
70 mph69.5 mph70.5 mph
80 mph79.5 mph80.6 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 205/65R16 or 215/55R17 tires

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Other comparisons with 205/65R16

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 205/65R16 in overall diameter.

Other comparisons with 215/55R17

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 215/55R17 in overall diameter.

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