Tire Size Box

205/55R16 vs 205/60R16

205/60R16 compared with 205/55R16

+3.2% diameter, 0.0" width

205/60R16 is 25.69" tall vs 24.88". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.9"16" rim4.4"8.1" wide
205/55R16 (solid) compared with 205/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/60R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

205/60R16 is +0.81 inches (+3.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/55R16205/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.88"25.69"+0.81"+3.2%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.44"4.84"+0.40"+9.1%
Circumference78.16"80.69"+2.54"+3.2%
Revolutions per mile810.7785.2−25.5−3.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/55R16 and you fit 205/60R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/55R16 or 205/60R16?
205/60R16 is taller by 0.81 inches (25.69" vs 24.88"). 205/55R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/55R16 with 205/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.2%, 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 205/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 205/55R16), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.2%.
Will 205/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.40 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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