16-inch rim · dimensions and fitment reference

225/55 R16 tyre size

225/55 R16 has a nominal diameter of 653.9 mm (25.74 inches) and a 123.75 mm sidewall. Check the dimensions, car-guide matches and neighbouring rim-size alternatives below.

Compare 225/55 R16 in the calculatorCars and trimsPlus and minus sizesCompared with

225/55 R16 dimensions

Nominal dimensions of 225/55 R16
MeasurementMillimetresInches
Overall diameter653.925.74
Sidewall height123.754.87
Section width2258.86
Circumference2,054.2980.88
Rim diameter406.416
Revolutions per kilometre
486.79
Revolutions per mile
783.41

Calculated from the nominal size, without load or tread wear. Revolutions use nominal circumference, not a measured rolling circumference. Tyre model, inflation, load and rim width can change the real dimensions.

Reading the size

225 is the nominal section width in millimetres, not tread width. 55 is the sidewall height as a percentage of that width. R means radial construction, and 16 is the rim diameter in inches. For the load index, speed rating and date code that follow the size, read how to read a tyre size.

Rim-width starting range

6.5 to 7.5 inches

Our passenger-car guidance estimates a 7-inch measuring rim and a half-inch band either side. This is a starting estimate, not an approved rim-width range. The exact tyre manufacturer's published range takes priority. Our guide to choosing wheel width for a tyre explains how to find the approved range.

Explore tyre and rim width

Plus-size and minus-size alternatives

Computed candidates within ±3% of the 653.9 mm diameter, on 15-inch and 17-inch rims. Width stays within 20 mm of this tyre, using 165 to 355 mm widths in 10 mm steps and 25 to 80% profiles in 5% steps. These combinations are not a stock list or fitment approval; check availability and the exact tyre specification.

Minus one: 15-inch rims

225/55 R16 alternatives on 15-inch rims
Candidate sizeDiameterChangeCompare
225/60 R15651 mm-0.44%Compare sizes
245/55 R15650.5 mm-0.52%Compare sizes
205/65 R15647.5 mm-0.98%Compare sizes
215/65 R15660.5 mm+1.01%Compare sizes
235/60 R15663 mm+1.39%Compare sizes
205/70 R15668 mm+2.16%Compare sizes
235/55 R15639.5 mm-2.2%Compare sizes
215/60 R15639 mm-2.28%Compare sizes
225/65 R15673.5 mm+3%Compare sizes

Plus one: 17-inch rims

225/55 R16 alternatives on 17-inch rims
Candidate sizeDiameterChangeCompare
245/45 R17652.3 mm-0.24%Compare sizes
225/50 R17656.8 mm+0.44%Compare sizes
205/55 R17657.3 mm+0.52%Compare sizes
215/50 R17646.8 mm-1.09%Compare sizes
235/45 R17643.3 mm-1.62%Compare sizes
235/50 R17666.8 mm+1.97%Compare sizes
215/55 R17668.3 mm+2.2%Compare sizes
205/50 R17636.8 mm-2.62%Compare sizes
225/45 R17634.3 mm-3%Compare sizes

How a size change moves the speedometer and gearing is covered in plus-sizing wheels. A smaller rim must still clear the brakes. Check wheel width, offset, load and speed ratings, full steering and suspension travel, and vehicle restrictions. AWD and staggered cars may need a much tighter rolling-circumference match than this screening limit.

Cars and setups listing 225/55 R16

Use the trim, market and axle as well as the car name. Each guide links to its supporting sources and explains clearance limits.

Factory trims

Stock uses of 225/55 R16
CarTrimAxle
Audi A4 / S4 B8 (2008–2016)A4, 16-inch package, selected marketsFront and rear
BMW 5 Series / M5 E39 (1995–2003)5 Series, 16-inch alloy package, excluding M5Front and rear
BMW 5 Series / M5 E60/E61 (2003–2010)Rear-wheel-drive SE, 16-inch exampleFront and rear
Ford Mustang Fox body (3rd gen) (1979–1993)1991–1993 GT / LX, 16-inch Pony packageFront and rear
Ford Mustang SN95 / New Edge (1994–2004)1994 GT 16-inch wheelFront and rear
Mazda RX-8 SE3P (2003–2012)Early base / automatic, 16-inch packageFront and rear

Popular community setups

No popular setups in our guides list this size.

225/55 R16 compared with

Sizes people often weigh against 225/55 R16, with the full dimension, speedometer and gearing comparison on each page. The percentage is the change in overall diameter from 225/55 R16.

All tyre size comparisons

Questions

How tall is a 225/55 R16 tyre?

Its nominal overall diameter is 653.9 mm (25.74 inches). Sidewall height is 123.75 mm. These are size-code calculations; actual dimensions vary by tyre model, rim and operating conditions.

What rim width should I use for 225/55 R16?

Our starting estimate is 6.5 to 7.5 inches, around a 7-inch measuring rim. This is not a manufacturer-approved range. Check the exact tyre model's published rim widths before fitting.

Can I replace 225/55 R16 with one of the alternatives?

The alternatives only match nominal diameter within 3% on a rim one inch smaller or larger. That does not approve fitment. Confirm that the size is manufactured, then check load and speed ratings, rim width, brakes, bodywork clearance, vehicle approval and any AWD requirements.

Which cars use 225/55 R16?

6 car guides list this size. The tables separate factory trims from community setups and identify the axle. A popular setup is not a factory tyre approval.

Check the exact tyre

For how measured dimensions and approved rim ranges differ from nominal calculations, see Tire Rack’s tyre specification guide.