215/60R16 vs 225/60R16

225/60R16 is 0.47 inches (1.8%) taller than 215/60R16 and 0.39 inches wider. Here are both sizes side by side, drawn to scale.

Last updated · Calculated from the sidewall code · Sources

Tire sizes

Type it as it appears on the sidewall: 275/60R20, LT265/70R17 or 33x12.50R20.

Difference in height
+0.47″
225/60R16 vs 215/60R16
215/60R16225/60R16Difference
Overall diameter26.2″ 664 mm26.6″ 676 mm+0.47″ (+1.8%)
Section width8.5″ 215 mm8.9″ 225 mm+0.39″
Sidewall height5.08″ 129 mm5.31″ 135 mm+0.24″
Wheel (rim) diameter16″16″same
Circumference82.2″ 2087 mm83.7″ 2125 mm+1.5″
Revolutions per mile771757−14
Ground clearance+0.24″
215/60R1626.2″ × 8.5″26.2″225/60R1626.6″ × 8.9″26.6″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

225/60R16 is 0.47″ taller (1.8%) and 0.39″ wider than 215/60R16. With a speedometer set up for 215/60R16, an indicated 60 mph is really 61.1 mph on 225/60R16, so the gauge reads 1.8% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.24″.

A 1.8% difference is within the ±3% that tire shops commonly accept without recalibrating the speedometer. Check clearance if the new tire is wider or taller.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 225/60R16
30 mph30.5 mph
45 mph45.8 mph
60 mph61.1 mph
70 mph71.3 mph
80 mph81.4 mph

What changes when you switch to 225/60R16

Sizes are theoretical, from the sidewall code. The same size can differ by a few tenths of an inch between brands and tread patterns; check the maker’s spec sheet for the exact model.

Other comparisons

Frequently asked questions

How much bigger is 225/60R16 than 215/60R16?

225/60R16 is 0.47 inches (1.8%) taller and 0.39 inches wider: 26.6" × 8.9" versus 26.2" × 8.5".

Will 225/60R16 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 1.8%. Going from 215/60R16 to 225/60R16, an indicated 60 mph is about 61.1 mph.

Can I replace 215/60R16 with 225/60R16?

Often, yes: the height difference is within the ±3% most tire shops accept. Both fit a 16" wheel; confirm the rim width, load index and clearance for your vehicle.

Do I need to regear going from 215/60R16 to 225/60R16?

Usually not for a 1.8% change. With 3.73 gears, the 225/60R16 acts like 3.66.

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