GarageCalc What 185/60R14 means
185 is the section width in millimeters (7.3 in). 60 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 60 percent of the width, so 185 × 0.60 = 111 mm (4.4 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 × 111 = 578 mm, or 22.7 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 185/60R14 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 185/60R14
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 165/60R15 at +0.2% diameter with a 99 mm sidewall instead of 111 mm. Going down one size, 175/70R13 is -0.4% with a taller 123 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 185/60R14 tire?
22.7 inches (578 mm) in overall diameter: the 14-inch wheel (356 mm) plus two 111 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 185/60R14 in inches?
22.7 x 7.3 R14: 22.7 inches tall, 7.3 inches wide, on a 14-inch wheel. The sidewall is 4.4 inches and the circumference is 71.4 inches, so the tire turns 887 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 185/60R14?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 14-inch wheel: 175/65R14 (+1.0%), 165/65R14 (-1.3%), 165/70R14 (+1.6%); on a 15-inch wheel: 165/60R15 (+0.2%), 195/50R15 (-0.3%); on a 13-inch wheel: 175/70R13 (-0.4%), 185/70R13 (+2.0%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 195/60R14 instead of 185/60R14?
Dimensionally yes: 195/60R14 is 2.1% taller (+12 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 58.8 mph. The extra width needs about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 195 mm.