Tire Size Box

185/60R16 vs 205/60R16

205/60R16 compared with 185/60R16

+3.8% diameter, +0.8" width

205/60R16 is 25.69" tall vs 24.74". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.7"16" rim4.4"7.3" wide
185/60R16 (solid) compared with 205/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/60R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.3 mph

205/60R16 is +0.94 inches (+3.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/60R16205/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.74"25.69"+0.94"+3.8%
Section width7.28"8.07"+0.79"+10.8%
Sidewall height4.37"4.84"+0.47"+10.8%
Circumference77.72"80.69"+2.97"+3.8%
Revolutions per mile815.2785.2−30.0−3.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/60R16 and you fit 205/60R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.9 mph+1.9 mph
60 mph62.3 mph+2.3 mph
65 mph67.5 mph+2.5 mph
70 mph72.7 mph+2.7 mph
75 mph77.9 mph+2.9 mph
80 mph83.1 mph+3.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/60R16 or 205/60R16?
205/60R16 is taller by 0.94 inches (25.69" vs 24.74"). 205/60R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 185/60R16 with 205/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.8%, 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 205/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 185/60R16), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.8%.
Will 205/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.47 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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