225/55R16 tyre size
A 225/55R16 tyre is 225 mm (8.9") wide with a sidewall height of 55 % of the width, i.e. 123.8 mm (4.9"), on a 16" (406 mm) rim. Overall diameter is 653.9 mm (25.7"), so the closest inch-style size is 25.7×8.9R16. Static circumference is 2054 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference is 1994 mm, giving 501 revolutions per km (807 per mile).
Dimensions and rolling diameter
| Section width | 225 mm | 8.86″ |
| Sidewall height | 123.8 mm | 4.87″ |
| Rim diameter | 406.4 mm | 16″ |
| Overall diameter (static, unloaded) | 653.9 mm | 25.74″ |
| Static radius | 327.0 mm | 12.87″ |
| Static circumference (π × D) | 2,054 mm | 80.9″ |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO 3.05 × D) | 1,994 mm | 78.5″ |
| Effective rolling radius | 317.4 mm | 12.50″ |
| Revs per km (rolling / static) | 501 / 487 | |
| Inch equivalent | 25.7×8.9R16 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 6″–8″ (measuring rim 7″) | |
A 225/55R16 tyre is 225 mm (8.9") wide with a sidewall height of 55 % of the width, i.e. 123.8 mm (4.9"), on a 16" (406 mm) rim. Overall diameter is 653.9 mm (25.7"), so the closest inch-style size is 25.7×8.9R16. Static circumference is 2054 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference is 1994 mm, giving 501 revolutions per km (807 per mile).
Why two circumferences? The static figure is simple geometry (π × diameter). Under load a radial tyre flattens and rolls about 3 % less per revolution; ETRTO defines the rolling circumference as 3.05 × the nominal diameter, which is what manufacturers quote and what speedo and gearing calculations should use.
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.
