Tire Size Box

185/55R14 vs 185/60R14

185/60R14 compared with 185/55R14

+3.3% diameter, 0.0" width

185/60R14 is 22.74" tall vs 22.01". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.0"14" rim4.0"7.3" wide
185/55R14 (solid) compared with 185/60R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 185/60R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

185/60R14 is +0.73 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/55R14185/60R14Difference%
Overall diameter22.01"22.74"+0.73"+3.3%
Section width7.28"7.28"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.01"4.37"+0.36"+9.1%
Circumference69.15"71.44"+2.29"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile916.2886.9−29.3−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/55R14 and you fit 185/60R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/55R14 or 185/60R14?
185/60R14 is taller by 0.73 inches (22.74" vs 22.01"). 185/55R14 is the same width.
Can I replace 185/55R14 with 185/60R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.3%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 185/60R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 185/60R14 fitted (calibrated for 185/55R14), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 185/60R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.36 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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