SidewallerTire & wheel calculators

185/55R16 vs 205/60R16

205/60R16 is 7.0% taller (+1.67 in) and 0.79 in wider than 185/55R16.

Large
Big change

205/60R16 is 7.0% taller than 185/55R16. Beyond 5% you usually need a lift or leveling kit, a speedometer recalibration and sometimes new gears.

185/55R16205/60R16Change
Diameter24.01″25.69″+1.67″+7.0%
Width7.28″8.07″+0.79″+10.8%
Sidewall4.01″4.84″+0.84″+20.9%
Circumference75.4″80.7″+5.3″+7.0%
Wheel16″16″Same
Revs per mile840785−55
SideTread
185/55R16205/60R16
Speedometer shows 60 mph64.2mph

Real speed on 205/60R16.

Ground clearance+0.84in

Change in height under the axle.

Width per side+0.39in

On the same wheel, split inboard and outboard.

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185/55R16 or 205/60R16?

Can I use 205/60R16 instead of 185/55R16?

205/60R16 is 7.0% taller than 185/55R16. Beyond 5% you usually need a lift or leveling kit, a speedometer recalibration and sometimes new gears. Also match or beat the original load index and speed rating, and check that the wheel width suits the new tire.

Will my speedometer be off?

At an indicated 60 mph on 205/60R16 you are really doing 64.2 mph if the speedometer was set up for 185/55R16. Going the other way, 185/55R16 would make it read 56.1 mph at a real 60.

How much ground clearance does it change?

Half the diameter difference: +0.84 in (+21 mm) under the axle.

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