215/50R17 vs 225/50R16
225/50R16 has an overall diameter of 631.4 mm (24.86") compared with 646.8 mm (25.46") for 215/50R17, a difference of -15.4 mm (-2.38 %). The sidewall changes by +5.0 mm, section width by +10 mm and ride height by -7.7 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 215/50R17 turns 507 times per kilometre and 225/50R16 turns 519 times. With 225/50R16 fitted to a car calibrated for 215/50R17, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 97.6 km/h, and the odometer records 102.4 km for every 100 km driven. This is close to the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance, so check clearance and local rules.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 215/50R17 | 225/50R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 215 mm | 225 mm | +10 mm |
| Sidewall height | 107.5 mm | 112.5 mm | +5.0 mm |
| Rim diameter | 17" | 16" | -1.0" |
| Overall diameter | 646.8 mm (25.46") | 631.4 mm (24.86") | -15.4 mm (-2.38 %) |
| Static circumference | 2032 mm | 1984 mm | -48 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 1973 mm | 1926 mm | -47 mm |
| Revs per km | 507 | 519 | +12 |
| Ride height | -7.7 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 25.5×8.5R17 | 24.9×8.9R16 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 6″–8″ | 6″–8″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 39.0 | 48.8 | 58.6 | 78.1 | 97.6 | 107.4 |
| Error (km/h) | -1.0 | -1.2 | -1.4 | -1.9 | -2.4 | -2.6 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 215/50R17. Odometer records 102.4 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 225/50R16 is 15.4 mm (2.38 %) smaller in diameter, so your speedo will read high and your odometer will over-record distance.
- Section width changes by +10 mm. Check guard, strut and inner-arch clearance and that the rim width is within the approved range for the new tyre.
- Rim diameter changes from 17" to 16", so new wheels are required.
Is 225/50R16 legal in Australia? More info needed
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) Diameter change of -15.4 mm is within the +15 mm / -26 mm allowance for a passenger car (MA/MB) (measured against the largest size the manufacturer designates for the model). | OK |
| Speedometer (ADR 18/03) A smaller tyre makes the speedo read high: at an indicated 100 km/h you would be doing 97.6 km/h (over-read 2.4 km/h; ADR 18 allows up to 13.8 km/h at that speed). | OK |
| Load index (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard load index and the replacement tyre load index to check. | ? |
| Speed rating (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard speed rating and the replacement tyre speed rating to check. | ? |
Frequently asked
Can I fit 225/50R16 instead of 215/50R17?
Overall diameter changes by -15.4 mm (-2.38 %). That is close to the 3 % rule of thumb; it may fit, but check guard, strut and brake clearance and your local rules. In Australia VSB 14 allows up to +15 mm for passenger cars and +50 mm for 4WDs/goods vehicles without certification.
How much will my speedo be out with 225/50R16?
Your speedo will read high by about 2.38 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 97.6 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 107.4 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 225/50R16?
Static circumference is 1984 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 1926 mm, which is 519 revolutions per kilometre.
225/50R16 in inches
225/50R16 is approximately 24.9×8.9R16: 24.9" tall, 8.9" wide, on a 16" rim, with a 4.4" sidewall.
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