Tire Size Box

195/55R16 vs 195/65R16

195/65R16 compared with 195/55R16

+6.3% diameter, 0.0" width

195/65R16 is 25.98" tall vs 24.44". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.4"16" rim4.2"7.7" wide
195/55R16 (solid) compared with 195/65R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 195/65R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.8 mph

195/65R16 is +1.54 inches (+6.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/55R16195/65R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.44"25.98"+1.54"+6.3%
Section width7.68"7.68"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.22"4.99"+0.77"+18.2%
Circumference76.80"81.62"+4.82"+6.3%
Revolutions per mile825.0776.3−48.8−5.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/55R16 and you fit 195/65R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph31.9 mph+1.9 mph
40 mph42.5 mph+2.5 mph
50 mph53.1 mph+3.1 mph
60 mph63.8 mph+3.8 mph
65 mph69.1 mph+4.1 mph
70 mph74.4 mph+4.4 mph
75 mph79.7 mph+4.7 mph
80 mph85.0 mph+5.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/55R16 or 195/65R16?
195/65R16 is taller by 1.54 inches (25.98" vs 24.44"). 195/55R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 195/55R16 with 195/65R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.3%, 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 195/65R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 195/65R16 fitted (calibrated for 195/55R16), your real speed is 63.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.3%.
Will 195/65R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.77 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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