Tire Size Box

195/45R16 vs 195/55R16

195/55R16 compared with 195/45R16

+6.7% diameter, 0.0" width

195/55R16 is 24.44" tall vs 22.91". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.9"16" rim3.5"7.7" wide
195/45R16 (solid) compared with 195/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 195/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.0 mph

195/55R16 is +1.54 inches (+6.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/45R16195/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter22.91"24.44"+1.54"+6.7%
Section width7.68"7.68"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.45"4.22"+0.77"+22.2%
Circumference71.97"76.80"+4.82"+6.7%
Revolutions per mile880.3825.0−55.3−6.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/45R16 and you fit 195/55R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph32.0 mph+2.0 mph
40 mph42.7 mph+2.7 mph
50 mph53.4 mph+3.4 mph
60 mph64.0 mph+4.0 mph
65 mph69.4 mph+4.4 mph
70 mph74.7 mph+4.7 mph
75 mph80.0 mph+5.0 mph
80 mph85.4 mph+5.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/45R16 or 195/55R16?
195/55R16 is taller by 1.54 inches (24.44" vs 22.91"). 195/45R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 195/45R16 with 195/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.7%, 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 195/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 195/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 195/45R16), your real speed is 64.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.7%.
Will 195/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.77 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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