225/55R17 vs 215/60R16
215/60R16 has an overall diameter of 664.4 mm (26.16") compared with 679.3 mm (26.74") for 225/55R17, a difference of -14.9 mm (-2.19 %). The sidewall changes by +5.3 mm, section width by -10 mm and ride height by -7.4 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 225/55R17 turns 483 times per kilometre and 215/60R16 turns 493 times. With 215/60R16 fitted to a car calibrated for 225/55R17, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 97.8 km/h, and the odometer records 102.2 km for every 100 km driven. This is close to the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance, so check clearance and local rules.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 225/55R17 | 215/60R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 225 mm | 215 mm | -10 mm |
| Sidewall height | 123.8 mm | 129.0 mm | +5.3 mm |
| Rim diameter | 17" | 16" | -1.0" |
| Overall diameter | 679.3 mm (26.74") | 664.4 mm (26.16") | -14.9 mm (-2.19 %) |
| Static circumference | 2134 mm | 2087 mm | -47 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2072 mm | 2026 mm | -45 mm |
| Revs per km | 483 | 493 | +11 |
| Ride height | -7.4 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 26.7×8.9R17 | 26.2×8.5R16 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 6″–8″ | 6″–7.5″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 39.1 | 48.9 | 58.7 | 78.2 | 97.8 | 107.6 |
| Error (km/h) | -0.9 | -1.1 | -1.3 | -1.8 | -2.2 | -2.4 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 225/55R17. Odometer records 102.2 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 215/60R16 is 14.9 mm (2.19 %) 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 215/60R16 legal in Australia? More info needed
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) Diameter change of -14.9 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 97.8 km/h (over-read 2.2 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 215/60R16 instead of 225/55R17?
Overall diameter changes by -14.9 mm (-2.19 %). 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 215/60R16?
Your speedo will read high by about 2.19 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 97.8 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 107.6 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 215/60R16?
Static circumference is 2087 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 2026 mm, which is 493 revolutions per kilometre.
215/60R16 in inches
215/60R16 is approximately 26.2×8.5R16: 26.2" tall, 8.5" wide, on a 16" rim, with a 5.1" sidewall.
Buying tyres for your business?
Onyx Tyres supplies workshops, retailers and fleets across Australia at wholesale prices. Open a trade account to see stock and pricing and order online.