Skip to main content
TireShopper

215/55R17 vs 215/60R16 tire size comparison

215/55R17215/60R16

215/60R16 is 0.1 in (0.58%) shorter than 215/55R17, with the same section width. They fit different wheels: 215/55R17 a 17-inch wheel and 215/60R16 a 16-inch wheel.

215/55R17 and 215/60R16 side by side

-0.1 in / -0.58%215/55R17: 26.3 in tall, solid line215/60R16: 26.2 in tall, dashed line215/55R17Width 8.5 in (215 mm)Sidewall 4.7 in (118 mm)215/60R16Width 8.5 in (215 mm)Sidewall 5.1 in (129 mm)
215/55R17 is drawn with a solid line and 215/60R16 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 215/55R17 and 215/60R16, with the difference (215/60R16 minus 215/55R17)
Measurement215/55R17215/60R16DifferenceDifference %
Section width8.5 in (215 mm)8.5 in (215 mm)0.0 in (0 mm)0.00%
Sidewall height4.7 in (118 mm)5.1 in (129 mm)+0.4 in (+11 mm)+9.09%
Wheel (rim) diameter17.0 in (432 mm)16.0 in (406 mm)-1.0 in (-26 mm)-5.88%
Overall diameter26.3 in (668 mm)26.2 in (664 mm)-0.1 in (-4 mm)-0.58%
Circumference82.7 in (2100 mm)82.2 in (2087 mm)-0.5 in (-13 mm)-0.58%
Revolutions per mile767771+4+0.59%

Differences are 215/60R16 minus 215/55R17; percentages are relative to 215/55R17. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

The overall diameter differs by 0.58%, 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 215/55R17, the actual speed on 215/60R16 is about 59.6 mph. When it reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 215/60R16, the actual speed on 215/55R17 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, 215/55R17 against 215/60R16
Speedometer readsActual on 215/60R16 (built for 215/55R17)Actual on 215/55R17 (built for 215/60R16)
20 mph19.9 mph20.1 mph
30 mph29.8 mph30.2 mph
40 mph39.8 mph40.2 mph
50 mph49.7 mph50.3 mph
60 mph59.6 mph60.4 mph
70 mph69.6 mph70.4 mph
80 mph79.5 mph80.5 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.

Open this comparison in the calculator

Shop for 215/55R17 or 215/60R16 tires

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

We may earn a commission if you buy through these links. It doesn't change the price you pay. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Other comparisons with 215/55R17

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

Other comparisons with 215/60R16

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 215/60R16 in overall diameter.

You might also need

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