Tire Size Box

215/55R16 vs 215/60R16

215/60R16 compared with 215/55R16

+3.3% diameter, 0.0" width

215/60R16 is 26.16" tall vs 25.31". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.3"16" rim4.7"8.5" wide
215/55R16 (solid) compared with 215/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/60R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

215/60R16 is +0.85 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/55R16215/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter25.31"26.16"+0.85"+3.3%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.66"5.08"+0.42"+9.1%
Circumference79.52"82.18"+2.66"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile796.8771.0−25.8−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/55R16 and you fit 215/60R16, 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 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.7 mph+2.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/55R16 or 215/60R16?
215/60R16 is taller by 0.85 inches (26.16" vs 25.31"). 215/55R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/55R16 with 215/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.3%, 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 215/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/55R16), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 215/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.42 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons