Tire Size Box

245/45R16 vs 245/55R16

245/55R16 compared with 245/45R16

+7.8% diameter, 0.0" width

245/55R16 is 26.61" tall vs 24.68". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.7"16" rim4.3"9.6" wide
245/45R16 (solid) compared with 245/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 245/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.7 mph

245/55R16 is +1.93 inches (+7.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/45R16245/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.68"26.61"+1.93"+7.8%
Section width9.65"9.65"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.34"5.31"+0.96"+22.2%
Circumference77.54"83.60"+6.06"+7.8%
Revolutions per mile817.1757.9−59.2−7.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/45R16 and you fit 245/55R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.6 mph+1.6 mph
30 mph32.3 mph+2.3 mph
40 mph43.1 mph+3.1 mph
50 mph53.9 mph+3.9 mph
60 mph64.7 mph+4.7 mph
65 mph70.1 mph+5.1 mph
70 mph75.5 mph+5.5 mph
75 mph80.9 mph+5.9 mph
80 mph86.3 mph+6.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/45R16 or 245/55R16?
245/55R16 is taller by 1.93 inches (26.61" vs 24.68"). 245/45R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 245/45R16 with 245/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.8%, 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 245/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 245/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 245/45R16), your real speed is 64.7 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.8%.
Will 245/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.96 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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