Tire Size Box

205/55R14 vs 165/60R15

165/60R15 compared with 205/55R14

−0.4% diameter, −1.6" width

165/60R15 is 22.80" tall vs 22.88". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

22.9"14" rim4.4"8.1" wide
205/55R14 (solid) compared with 165/60R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 165/60R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

59.8 mph

165/60R15 is −0.08 inches (−0.4%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

205/55R14165/60R15Difference%
Overall diameter22.88"22.80"−0.08"−0.4%
Section width8.07"6.50"−1.57"−19.5%
Sidewall height4.44"3.90"−0.54"−12.2%
Circumference71.87"71.61"−0.26"−0.4%
Revolutions per mile881.6884.7+3.2+0.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/55R14 and you fit 165/60R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph19.9 mph−0.1 mph
30 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
40 mph39.9 mph−0.1 mph
50 mph49.8 mph−0.2 mph
60 mph59.8 mph−0.2 mph
65 mph64.8 mph−0.2 mph
70 mph69.7 mph−0.3 mph
75 mph74.7 mph−0.3 mph
80 mph79.7 mph−0.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/55R14 or 165/60R15?
205/55R14 is taller by 0.08 inches (22.88" vs 22.80"). 205/55R14 is wider by 1.57 inches.
Can I replace 205/55R14 with 165/60R15?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is −0.4%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 165/60R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 165/60R15 fitted (calibrated for 205/55R14), your real speed is 59.8 mph. Your odometer will over-count miles by about 0.4%.
Will 165/60R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: −0.04 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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