Tire Size Box

295/45R16 vs 295/55R16

295/55R16 compared with 295/45R16

+8.8% diameter, 0.0" width

295/55R16 is 28.78" tall vs 26.45". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.5"16" rim5.2"11.6" wide
295/45R16 (solid) compared with 295/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 295/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

65.3 mph

295/55R16 is +2.32 inches (+8.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

295/45R16295/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.45"28.78"+2.32"+8.8%
Section width11.61"11.61"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.23"6.39"+1.16"+22.2%
Circumference83.10"90.40"+7.30"+8.8%
Revolutions per mile762.4700.9−61.5−8.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 295/45R16 and you fit 295/55R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.8 mph+1.8 mph
30 mph32.6 mph+2.6 mph
40 mph43.5 mph+3.5 mph
50 mph54.4 mph+4.4 mph
60 mph65.3 mph+5.3 mph
65 mph70.7 mph+5.7 mph
70 mph76.1 mph+6.1 mph
75 mph81.6 mph+6.6 mph
80 mph87.0 mph+7.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 295/45R16 or 295/55R16?
295/55R16 is taller by 2.32 inches (28.78" vs 26.45"). 295/45R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 295/45R16 with 295/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +8.8%, 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 295/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 295/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 295/45R16), your real speed is 65.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 8.8%.
Will 295/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.16 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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