GarageCalc What 205/55R16 means
205 is the section width in millimeters (8.1 in). 55 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 55 percent of the width, so 205 × 0.55 = 113 mm (4.4 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 × 113 = 632 mm, or 24.9 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 205/55R16 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 205/55R16
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 225/45R17 at +0.4% diameter with a 101 mm sidewall instead of 113 mm. Going down one size, 195/65R15 is +0.4% with a taller 127 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.
Which cars come with 205/55R16
Typical factory fitments include VW Golf and Jetta, Honda Civic (2012-2015), Toyota Corolla LE (2020 on), Subaru Impreza (2012-2016) and Hyundai Elantra (2011-2016). Tire size changes with trim and wheel option, so confirm on the door-jamb placard before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a 205/55R16 tire?
24.9 inches (632 mm) in overall diameter: the 16-inch wheel (406 mm) plus two 113 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 205/55R16 in inches?
24.9 x 8.1 R16: 24.9 inches tall, 8.1 inches wide, on a 16-inch wheel. The sidewall is 4.4 inches and the circumference is 78.2 inches, so the tire turns 811 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 205/55R16?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 16-inch wheel: 225/50R16 (-0.1%), 195/60R16 (+1.3%), 195/55R16 (-1.7%); on a 17-inch wheel: 225/45R17 (+0.4%), 205/50R17 (+0.8%); on a 15-inch wheel: 195/65R15 (+0.4%), 205/60R15 (-0.8%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 215/55R16 instead of 205/55R16?
Dimensionally yes: 215/55R16 is 1.7% taller (+11 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 59.0 mph. The extra width needs about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 215 mm.