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215/70R16 vs 225/55R18 tire size comparison

215/70R16225/55R18

225/55R18 is 0.2 in (0.38%) shorter than 215/70R16 and 0.4 in wider. They fit different wheels: 215/70R16 a 16-inch wheel and 225/55R18 an 18-inch wheel.

215/70R16 and 225/55R18 side by side

-0.2 in / -0.38%215/70R16: 27.9 in tall, solid line225/55R18: 27.7 in tall, dashed line215/70R16Width 8.5 in (215 mm)Sidewall 5.9 in (151 mm)225/55R18Width 8.9 in (225 mm)Sidewall 4.9 in (124 mm)
215/70R16 is drawn with a solid line and 225/55R18 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 215/70R16 and 225/55R18, with the difference (225/55R18 minus 215/70R16)
Measurement215/70R16225/55R18DifferenceDifference %
Section width8.5 in (215 mm)8.9 in (225 mm)+0.4 in (+10 mm)+4.65%
Sidewall height5.9 in (151 mm)4.9 in (124 mm)-1.0 in (-27 mm)-17.77%
Wheel (rim) diameter16.0 in (406 mm)18.0 in (457 mm)+2.0 in (+51 mm)+12.50%
Overall diameter27.9 in (707 mm)27.7 in (705 mm)-0.2 in (-2 mm)-0.38%
Circumference87.5 in (2222 mm)87.2 in (2214 mm)-0.3 in (-8 mm)-0.38%
Revolutions per mile724727+3+0.38%

Differences are 225/55R18 minus 215/70R16; percentages are relative to 215/70R16. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

The overall diameter differs by 0.38%, 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 215/70R16, the actual speed on 225/55R18 is about 59.8 mph. When it reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 225/55R18, the actual speed on 215/70R16 is about 60.2 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, 215/70R16 against 225/55R18
Speedometer readsActual on 225/55R18 (built for 215/70R16)Actual on 215/70R16 (built for 225/55R18)
20 mph19.9 mph20.1 mph
30 mph29.9 mph30.1 mph
40 mph39.8 mph40.2 mph
50 mph49.8 mph50.2 mph
60 mph59.8 mph60.2 mph
70 mph69.7 mph70.3 mph
80 mph79.7 mph80.3 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 215/70R16 or 225/55R18 tires

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Other comparisons with 215/70R16

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 215/70R16 in overall diameter.

Other comparisons with 225/55R18

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 225/55R18 in overall diameter.

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