Tire Size Box

185/55R16 vs 185/60R16

185/60R16 compared with 185/55R16

+3.0% diameter, 0.0" width

185/60R16 is 24.74" tall vs 24.01". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.0"16" rim4.0"7.3" wide
185/55R16 (solid) compared with 185/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 185/60R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

185/60R16 is +0.73 inches (+3.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/55R16185/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.01"24.74"+0.73"+3.0%
Section width7.28"7.28"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.01"4.37"+0.36"+9.1%
Circumference75.44"77.72"+2.29"+3.0%
Revolutions per mile839.9815.2−24.7−2.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/55R16 and you fit 185/60R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph30.9 mph+0.9 mph
40 mph41.2 mph+1.2 mph
50 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.8 mph+1.8 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.4 mph+2.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/55R16 or 185/60R16?
185/60R16 is taller by 0.73 inches (24.74" vs 24.01"). 185/55R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 185/55R16 with 185/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.0%, 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 185/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 185/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 185/55R16), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.0%.
Will 185/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.36 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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