Tire Size Box

215/45R16 vs 215/55R16

215/55R16 compared with 215/45R16

+7.2% diameter, 0.0" width

215/55R16 is 25.31" tall vs 23.62". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.6"16" rim3.8"8.5" wide
215/45R16 (solid) compared with 215/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.3 mph

215/55R16 is +1.69 inches (+7.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/45R16215/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter23.62"25.31"+1.69"+7.2%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.81"4.66"+0.85"+22.2%
Circumference74.20"79.52"+5.32"+7.2%
Revolutions per mile853.9796.8−57.1−6.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/45R16 and you fit 215/55R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.4 mph+1.4 mph
30 mph32.2 mph+2.2 mph
40 mph42.9 mph+2.9 mph
50 mph53.6 mph+3.6 mph
60 mph64.3 mph+4.3 mph
65 mph69.7 mph+4.7 mph
70 mph75.0 mph+5.0 mph
75 mph80.4 mph+5.4 mph
80 mph85.7 mph+5.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/45R16 or 215/55R16?
215/55R16 is taller by 1.69 inches (25.31" vs 23.62"). 215/45R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/45R16 with 215/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.2%, 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 215/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/45R16), your real speed is 64.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.2%.
Will 215/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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