Metric tire size

215/55R16 tire size

A 215/55R16 tire is 25.3 inches (643 mm) tall and 8.5 in wide, for a 16-inch wheel, with a 4.7 in sidewall. That is the nominal size worked out from the code. Makers publish 25.1–25.6 in for real 215/55R16 tires (5 makers).

Diameter25.3 in643 mm
Width8.5 in215 mm
Sidewall4.7 in118 mm
Revs per mile797nominal, published 822–834
Wheel width6–7 inapproved by every listing

Compare 215/55R16 with other sizes

1

Your current size

e.g. 265/70R17, 2657017 or 33x12.50R20

Where do I find my size?

It's on the tire sidewall, e.g. P265/70R17 115T, and on the tire placard sticker on the driver's door jamb (also in the owner's manual). If your current tires aren't the original size, the placard shows what the vehicle came with. Digits are enough here: 2657017 or 33125020.

2

Size you're considering

 

 

Real 215/55R16 tires: published diameters

Figures from the makers' own data books. They differ from the 25.3 in calculated figure because each tread design and construction measures slightly differently.

Maker (data book)Published diameterRevs per mileApproved wheel widthListings
Falken25.3–25.6 in824–8346–7.5 in3
Goodyear25.3 in8276–7.5 in1
Hankook25.1–25.3 in825–8296–7.5 in4
Toyo25.3 in8226–7.5 in1
Uniroyal25.2 in8236–7.5 in1

Sources: maker data books (PDF), checked 2026-11-05. Brand names identify the data source only.

Equivalent sizes on other wheels

Sizes that appear in the maker data books with a diameter within 3% of 215/55R16. Same diameter is only one part of fitting a different size.

WheelReal sizes within 3% (closest first)
15-inch265/50R15 (25.4 in, +0.5%), 215/60R15 (25.2 in, −0.6%), 205/65R15 (25.5 in, +0.7%)
16-inch195/60R16 (25.2 in, −0.4%), 245/50R16 (25.6 in, +1.3%), 205/60R16 (25.7 in, +1.5%)
17-inch235/45R17 (25.3 in, +0.1%), 265/40R17 (25.3 in, +0.1%), 215/50R17 (25.5 in, +0.6%)
18-inch265/35R18 (25.3 in, ±0.0%), 205/45R18 (25.3 in, −0.2%), 235/40R18 (25.4 in, +0.4%)
20-inch225/30R20 (25.3 in, ±0.0%), 275/25R20 (25.4 in, +0.4%), 235/30R20 (25.6 in, +0.9%)

Popular comparisons with 215/55R16

205/60R16 vs 215/55R16−1.5% diameter

FAQ

How tall is a 215/55R16 tire?

25.3 inches (643 mm) calculated from the size code. Makers publish 25.1–25.6 in for real tires in this size; the difference comes from tread design and construction.

How do you work out the 215/55R16 diameter?

Sidewall = 215 mm × 55% = 118.2 mm. Diameter = 16 in wheel + 2 × 118.2 mm ÷ 25.4 = 25.31 in.

Is 215/55R16 a 25-inch tire?

It is about 25.3 in tall nominally, so it is close to 25 inches. Real tires in a size vary slightly by model; check the maker's spec sheet for the exact tire.

What sizes are equivalent to 215/55R16?

Real sizes within 3% of its diameter include 235/45R17 (+0.1%), 265/35R18 (±0.0%) and 225/30R20 (±0.0%). Equal diameter alone doesn't make a size suitable: wheel width, offset, clearance and load rating all matter.

How many revolutions per mile does a 215/55R16 make?

About 797 calculated from its unloaded diameter. Makers publish 822–834 revs per mile, measured under load (a loaded tire rolls on a slightly smaller radius), which is why published figures are higher.

Open 215/55R16 in the converter · Tire size chart

Important: These are calculated (nominal) dimensions, not a fitment recommendation. Real tires of the same size differ by brand and model (makers allow about ±3% of section height), and width changes with the rim it is mounted on. The math can't see wheel width and offset, clearance at full steering lock and suspension travel, load index, speed rating, or what your vehicle maker approves. Before changing size, check your door-jamb placard and owner's manual and ask a tire professional. A replacement tire must meet or exceed the load index and speed rating on the placard.