Tire Size Box

215/55R16 vs 215/65R16

215/65R16 compared with 215/55R16

+6.7% diameter, 0.0" width

215/65R16 is 27.00" tall vs 25.31". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.3"16" rim4.7"8.5" wide
215/55R16 (solid) compared with 215/65R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/65R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.0 mph

215/65R16 is +1.69 inches (+6.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/55R16215/65R16Difference%
Overall diameter25.31"27.00"+1.69"+6.7%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.66"5.50"+0.85"+18.2%
Circumference79.52"84.84"+5.32"+6.7%
Revolutions per mile796.8746.9−50.0−6.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/55R16 and you fit 215/65R16, 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 mph53.3 mph+3.3 mph
60 mph64.0 mph+4.0 mph
65 mph69.3 mph+4.3 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, 215/55R16 or 215/65R16?
215/65R16 is taller by 1.69 inches (27.00" vs 25.31"). 215/55R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/55R16 with 215/65R16?
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 215/65R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/65R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/55R16), your real speed is 64.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.7%.
Will 215/65R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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