225/45R17 vs 205/55R16
205/55R16 has an overall diameter of 631.9 mm (24.88") compared with 634.3 mm (24.97") for 225/45R17, a difference of -2.4 mm (-0.38 %). The sidewall changes by +11.5 mm, section width by -20 mm and ride height by -1.2 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 225/45R17 turns 517 times per kilometre and 205/55R16 turns 519 times. With 205/55R16 fitted to a car calibrated for 225/45R17, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 99.6 km/h, and the odometer records 100.4 km for every 100 km driven. This is within the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 225/45R17 | 205/55R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 225 mm | 205 mm | -20 mm |
| Sidewall height | 101.3 mm | 112.8 mm | +11.5 mm |
| Rim diameter | 17" | 16" | -1.0" |
| Overall diameter | 634.3 mm (24.97") | 631.9 mm (24.88") | -2.4 mm (-0.38 %) |
| Static circumference | 1993 mm | 1985 mm | -8 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 1935 mm | 1927 mm | -7 mm |
| Revs per km | 517 | 519 | +2 |
| Ride height | -1.2 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 25×8.9R17 | 24.9×8.1R16 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 7″–8.5″ | 5.5″–7.5″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 39.8 | 49.8 | 59.8 | 79.7 | 99.6 | 109.6 |
| Error (km/h) | -0.2 | -0.2 | -0.2 | -0.3 | -0.4 | -0.4 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 225/45R17. Odometer records 100.4 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 205/55R16 is 2.4 mm (0.38 %) smaller in diameter, so your speedo will read high and your odometer will over-record distance.
- Section width changes by -20 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 205/55R16 legal in Australia? More info needed
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) Diameter change of -2.4 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 99.6 km/h (over-read 0.4 km/h; ADR 18 allows up to 14.0 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 205/55R16 instead of 225/45R17?
Overall diameter changes by -2.4 mm (-0.38 %). That is within the usual 3 % rule of thumb, so it is generally an acceptable swap provided the load index and speed rating meet your tyre placard and the tyre suits your rim width. 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 205/55R16?
Your speedo will read high by about 0.38 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 99.6 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 109.6 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 205/55R16?
Static circumference is 1985 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 1927 mm, which is 519 revolutions per kilometre.
205/55R16 in inches
205/55R16 is approximately 24.9×8.1R16: 24.9" tall, 8.1" wide, on a 16" rim, with a 4.4" sidewall.
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