GarageCalc What 215/60R16 means
215 is the section width in millimeters (8.5 in). 60 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 60 percent of the width, so 215 × 0.60 = 129 mm (5.1 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 × 129 = 664 mm, or 26.2 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 215/60R16 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 215/60R16
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 235/50R17 at +0.4% diameter with a 118 mm sidewall instead of 129 mm. Going down one size, 235/60R15 is -0.2% with a taller 141 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 215/60R16 tire?
26.2 inches (664 mm) in overall diameter: the 16-inch wheel (406 mm) plus two 129 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 215/60R16 in inches?
26.2 x 8.5 R16: 26.2 inches tall, 8.5 inches wide, on a 16-inch wheel. The sidewall is 5.1 inches and the circumference is 82.2 inches, so the tire turns 771 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 215/60R16?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 16-inch wheel: 205/65R16 (+1.3%), 225/55R16 (-1.6%), 205/60R16 (-1.8%); on a 17-inch wheel: 235/50R17 (+0.4%), 215/55R17 (+0.6%); on a 15-inch wheel: 235/60R15 (-0.2%), 205/70R15 (+0.5%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 225/55R16 instead of 215/60R16?
Dimensionally yes: 225/55R16 is 1.6% shorter (-11 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 61.0 mph. The extra width needs about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 225 mm.