GarageCalc What 165/60R14 means
165 is the section width in millimeters (6.5 in). 60 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 60 percent of the width, so 165 × 0.60 = 99 mm (3.9 in). R is radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches (356 mm). Stack two sidewalls on the wheel and you get the overall diameter: 356 + 2 × 99 = 554 mm, or 21.8 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 165/60R14 91V. Those two codes set how much weight and speed the tire is certified for; look them up in the load index chart and the speed rating chart.
Plus and minus sizing from 165/60R14
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 175/50R15 at +0.4% diameter with a 88 mm sidewall instead of 99 mm. Going down one size, 185/60R13 is -0.3% with a taller 111 mm sidewall for more comfort and pothole margin. Anything inside 3 percent keeps the speedometer, ABS and gearing effectively stock; the comparison calculator shows the full speedometer table for any pair.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a 165/60R14 tire?
21.8 inches (554 mm) in overall diameter: the 14-inch wheel (356 mm) plus two 99 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 165/60R14 in inches?
21.8 x 6.5 R14: 21.8 inches tall, 6.5 inches wide, on a 14-inch wheel. The sidewall is 3.9 inches and the circumference is 68.5 inches, so the tire turns 925 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 165/60R14?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 14-inch wheel: 155/65R14 (+0.6%), 185/55R14 (+1.0%), 175/60R14 (+2.2%); on a 15-inch wheel: 175/50R15 (+0.4%), 155/60R15 (+2.4%); on a 13-inch wheel: 185/60R13 (-0.3%), 175/65R13 (+0.7%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 175/60R14 instead of 165/60R14?
Dimensionally yes: 175/60R14 is 2.2% taller (+12 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 58.7 mph. The extra width needs about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 175 mm.