215/55 R16

What size is 215/55 R16?

215/55 R16 has an overall diameter of about 25.31 in, a section width of 8.46 in and a sidewall height of 4.66 in. It turns roughly 797 times per mile. Below are the exact figures plus in-tolerance plus/minus sizes you can switch to safely.

Fitment verdict

235/45 R17 stays within the configured tolerance for 215/55 R16: +0.1% diameter and +0.1% speedometer effect.

Metric This size: 215/55 R16 Alternative: 235/45 R17 Difference Verdict
Overall diameter 25.31 in 25.33 in +0.1% Within tolerance
Section width 8.46 in 9.25 in +0.79 in Computed difference
Sidewall height 4.66 in 4.16 in -0.49 in Computed difference
Circumference 79.52 in 79.57 in +0.1% Within tolerance
Speedo 0.0% +0.1% +0.1% Within tolerance

Seasonal check

Planning a long summer drive?

Use the budget and running-cost tools before a trip, especially if the current tyres are worn or the replacement size changes diameter.

Estimate tyre budget

Specification

Overall diameter25.31 in
Section width8.46 in
Sidewall height4.66 in
Circumference79.52 in
Revolutions 495 /km · 797 /mi

In-tolerance sizes

Alternative sizes that stay within the safe diameter tolerance:

Size Diameter Speedo Verdict
235/45 R17 +0.1% +0.1% ✓ OK
235/40 R18 +0.4% +0.4% ✓ OK
195/60 R16 -0.4% -0.4% ✓ OK
225/35 R19 -0.4% -0.4% ✓ OK
215/50 R17 +0.6% +0.6% ✓ OK
235/35 R19 +0.7% +0.7% ✓ OK
205/65 R15 +0.7% +0.7% ✓ OK
225/40 R18 -0.9% -0.9% ✓ OK
255/35 R18 -1.1% -1.1% ✓ OK
195/65 R15 -1.3% -1.3% ✓ OK
225/45 R17 -1.3% -1.3% ✓ OK
245/45 R17 +1.5% +1.5% ✓ OK

Compare sizes

Looks valid
Looks valid
Units
✓ Within toleranceDiameter +0.1% (+0.02 in) · US (~3%)
  • Within tolerance · Diameter +0.1%.
  • Speedo @ 60: 60 mph60.0 mph.
  • Sidewall -0.49 in · Width +0.79 in.
Diameter+0.1%+0.02 in
Speedo @ 60+0.1%60 mph60.0 mph
Sidewall-0.49 inWidth +0.79 in
How this result is calculated

Computed from nominal tire-size geometry: diameter, circumference and speedometer error. It does not check wheel-arch, suspension or brake clearance.

Methodology
Diameter
25.31 in 25.33 in+0.02 in
Sidewall
4.66 in 4.16 in-0.49 in
Width
8.46 in 9.25 in+0.79 in
Circumference
79.52 in 79.57 in+0.1%
Revs / mile
797 796
Speedo @ 60
60 mph 60.0 mph+0.1%
Δ⌀ +0.4 mm
  • Current215/55 R16
  • New235/45 R17
  • Grounded to the road: the axle rises +0.01 in.

Result report

215/55 R16 235/45 R17 · Within tolerance

Use this size when shopping: 235/45 R17

Use this size when shopping

Geometric estimate. Always verify physical clearance (arches, suspension, brakes) before fitting.

Safe alternative sizes

SizeDiameterSpeedo @ 100Use this
−1″ 175/75R15+0.1%+0.1%
OE 215/55R16+0.0%+0.0%
+1″ 235/45R17+0.1%+0.1%
+2″ 265/35R18-0.0%-0.0%

More tools

Last reviewed: 2026-06-28

Last reviewed: 2026-06-28
What changed
  • Reviewed deterministic geometry, load/speed references, sitemap inclusion and localized page shell.