205/55R16 vs 215/55R16Tire Size Comparison

Safe

The 1.7% diameter difference is within the accepted 3% tolerance.

205/55R16632mm dia215/55R16643mm dia+5.5mm

Comparison Details

Overall Diameter631.9 vs 642.9 mm (+11.0 mm)
Diameter Difference+1.74%
Section Width205 vs 215 mm (+10 mm)
Sidewall Height112.8 vs 118.3 mm (+5.5 mm)
Circumference1985.2 vs 2019.7 mm
Clearance Change+5.5 mm
Speedometer Error+1.74%
Revs/Mile811 vs 797

Speedometer Correction

When switching from 205/55R16 to 215/55R16, your speedometer will differ from actual speed.

SpeedometerActual SpeedDifference
30 km/h30.5 km/h+0.5 km/h
40 km/h40.7 km/h+0.7 km/h
50 km/h50.9 km/h+0.9 km/h
60 km/h61.0 km/h+1.0 km/h
70 km/h71.2 km/h+1.2 km/h
80 km/h81.4 km/h+1.4 km/h
90 km/h91.6 km/h+1.6 km/h
100 km/h101.7 km/h+1.7 km/h
110 km/h111.9 km/h+1.9 km/h
120 km/h122.1 km/h+2.1 km/h
130 km/h132.3 km/h+2.3 km/h

Vehicles Using These Sizes

Vehicles with 205/55R16

Vehicles with 215/55R16

Individual Tire Size Details

Practical Guidance

Switching from 205/55R16 to 215/55R16 is within the industry-accepted 3% diameter tolerance. Your speedometer, ABS, and traction control should function normally. Both sizes fit the same 16-inch rim, so no wheel change is needed.

The 3% diameter tolerance is a widely accepted industry guideline referenced by the ETRTO and most vehicle manufacturers. When in doubt, consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a qualified tire professional. For U.S. tire safety standards and recalls, see the NHTSA Tire Safety page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safe. The overall diameter differs by 1.74%, width changes by 10mm.

Speedometer error will be 1.74%. At an indicated 100 km/h, actual speed is about 101.7 km/h.

Ground clearance changes by +5.5mm per side.