SidewallerTire & wheel calculators

225/50R16 vs 205/55R16

205/55R16 is 0.1% taller (+0.02 in) and 0.79 in narrower than 225/50R16.

OK
Close match

205/55R16 is 0.1% taller than 225/50R16. That is inside the ±3% most shops treat as a straight swap.

225/50R16205/55R16Change
Diameter24.86″24.88″+0.02″+0.1%
Width8.86″8.07″−0.79″−8.9%
Sidewall4.43″4.44″+0.01″+0.2%
Circumference78.1″78.2″+0.1″+0.1%
Wheel16″16″Same
Revs per mile811811−1
SideTread
225/50R16205/55R16
Speedometer shows 60 mph60.0mph

Real speed on 205/55R16.

Ground clearance+0.01in

Change in height under the axle.

Width per side−0.39in

On the same wheel, split inboard and outboard.

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225/50R16 or 205/55R16?

Can I use 205/55R16 instead of 225/50R16?

205/55R16 is 0.1% taller than 225/50R16. That is inside the ±3% most shops treat as a straight swap. Also match or beat the original load index and speed rating, and check that the wheel width suits the new tire.

Will my speedometer be off?

At an indicated 60 mph on 205/55R16 you are really doing 60.0 mph if the speedometer was set up for 225/50R16. Going the other way, 225/50R16 would make it read 60.0 mph at a real 60.

How much ground clearance does it change?

Half the diameter difference: +0.01 in (+0 mm) under the axle.

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