Tire Size Box

205/55R15 vs 205/60R15

205/60R15 compared with 205/55R15

+3.4% diameter, 0.0" width

205/60R15 is 24.69" tall vs 23.88". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.9"15" rim4.4"8.1" wide
205/55R15 (solid) compared with 205/60R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/60R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

205/60R15 is +0.81 inches (+3.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/55R15205/60R15Difference%
Overall diameter23.88"24.69"+0.81"+3.4%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.44"4.84"+0.40"+9.1%
Circumference75.01"77.55"+2.54"+3.4%
Revolutions per mile844.6817.0−27.6−3.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/55R15 and you fit 205/60R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.7 mph+2.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/55R15 or 205/60R15?
205/60R15 is taller by 0.81 inches (24.69" vs 23.88"). 205/55R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/55R15 with 205/60R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.4%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 205/60R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/60R15 fitted (calibrated for 205/55R15), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.4%.
Will 205/60R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.40 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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