GarageCalc What 195/60R16 means
195 is the section width in millimeters (7.7 in). 60 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 60 percent of the width, so 195 × 0.60 = 117 mm (4.6 in). R is radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches (406 mm). Stack two sidewalls on the wheel and you get the overall diameter: 406 + 2 × 117 = 640 mm, or 25.2 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 195/60R16 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 195/60R16
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 205/50R17 at -0.6% diameter with a 103 mm sidewall instead of 117 mm. Going down one size, 215/60R15 is -0.2% with a taller 129 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 195/60R16 tire?
25.2 inches (640 mm) in overall diameter: the 16-inch wheel (406 mm) plus two 117 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 195/60R16 in inches?
25.2 x 7.7 R16: 25.2 inches tall, 7.7 inches wide, on a 16-inch wheel. The sidewall is 4.6 inches and the circumference is 79.2 inches, so the tire turns 800 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 195/60R16?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 16-inch wheel: 215/55R16 (+0.4%), 205/55R16 (-1.3%), 205/60R16 (+1.9%); on a 17-inch wheel: 205/50R17 (-0.6%), 215/50R17 (+1.0%); on a 15-inch wheel: 215/60R15 (-0.2%), 195/65R15 (-0.9%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 205/55R16 instead of 195/60R16?
Dimensionally yes: 205/55R16 is 1.3% shorter (-9 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 60.8 mph. The extra width needs about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 205 mm.