15-inch vs 16-inch rims · tyre size comparison
205/55 R15 vs 225/45 R16
225/45 R16 is 2.4 mm (0.09 in) taller than 205/55 R15, a +0.4% difference in overall diameter. That is well inside the ±3% limit commonly used to screen a tire size change; it is a nominal calculation, not a fitment approval.
- Diameter difference
- +2.4 mm
- +0.09 in · +0.4%
- Indicated 70 mph
- 70.3 mph
- Actual speed on 225/45 R16, if the speedometer was accurate on 205/55 R15.
- Sidewall height
- -11.5 mm
- 112.75 mm to 101.25 mm.
Dimensions side by side
| Measurement | 205/55 R15 | 225/45 R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 606.5 mm23.88 in | 608.9 mm23.97 in | +2.4 mm (+0.4%)+0.09 in |
| Section width | 205 mm8.07 in | 225 mm8.86 in | +20 mm+0.79 in |
| Sidewall height | 112.75 mm4.44 in | 101.25 mm3.99 in | -11.5 mm-0.45 in |
| Circumference | 1,905.38 mm75.01 in | 1,912.92 mm75.31 in | +7.54 mm+0.3 in |
| Rim diameter | 381 mm15 in | 406.4 mm16 in | +25.4 mm+1 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 844.63 | 841.3 | -3.33 |
| Revolutions per km | 524.83 | 522.76 | -2.07 |
Calculated from the nominal size codes, without load or tread wear. Real tyres vary by model, rim width and pressure, so the exact tyre's published dimensions take priority.
Speedometer with 225/45 R16
If the speedometer was accurate on 205/55 R15, fitting 225/45 R16 means the car is travelling 0.4% faster than it shows, and the odometer under-records distance by about the same amount.
| Speedometer shows | Actual on 225/45 R16 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | 30.12 mph | +0.12 mph |
| 50 mph | 50.2 mph | +0.2 mph |
| 60 mph | 60.24 mph | +0.24 mph |
| 70 mph | 70.28 mph | +0.28 mph |
| 50 km/h | 50.2 km/h | +0.2 km/h |
| 100 km/h | 100.4 km/h | +0.4 km/h |
UN ECE Regulation 39, used in the UK and EU, does not allow a speedometer to show less than the true speed, so many read slightly high from the factory. A taller tyre uses up some of that margin. Calibration varies by car; these figures are the tyre-size effect only.
What changes from 205/55 R15 to 225/45 R16
Wheels
These sizes need different wheels: 15-inch for 205/55 R15 and 16-inch for 225/45 R16. The larger wheel usually weighs a little more; the smaller one must still clear the brake calipers. Check rim width, offset and load rating for whichever wheel you fit.
Sidewall and ride comfort
225/45 R16 has 11.5 mm less sidewall (101.25 vs 112.75 mm). A shorter sidewall usually sharpens steering response, but rides a little firmer and leaves the rim more exposed to potholes and kerbs.
Contact width
225/45 R16 is 20 mm wider in nominal section width (9.8%). A wider tyre usually puts a wider, shorter contact patch on the road, which can help dry grip, but it may follow ruts more, clear standing water less readily and add some rolling resistance.
Wheel well clearance
Ride height changes by about +1.2 mm, and the top of the tyre moves the same distance closer to the arch. On the same wheel width and offset, each sidewall moves about 10 mm further out towards the arch lip and further in towards the suspension. Check clearance at full steering lock and full suspension compression, especially on a lowered car.
Gearing
Effective gearing changes by -0.39%, too little to notice from the driver's seat.
ABS, stability control and AWD
These systems compare wheel speeds. Fit the same size on both ends of an axle, and follow the car maker's rolling-circumference limits, which can be much tighter than 3%.
General tendencies from the nominal numbers, not a test of any tyre. Load index, speed rating, tyre construction and the car's approved sizes matter more than these rules of thumb.
Explained in our guides
- Plus-sizing wheels: tyre diameter and speedometer changesWork through a 17 to 18 inch wheel change, compare tyre diameters and speedometer effects, and understand why a 3% rule cannot approve fitment.
- Staggered vs square wheels: tyres, rotation and AWDCompare square and staggered wheel setups, calculate front-to-rear tyre diameter, and understand rotation limits and all-wheel-drive requirements.
- How to read a tyre size, load index and sidewall markingsDecode tyre width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, load and speed markings, then calculate sidewall height and diameter using a 225/45 R17 example.
Cars in our guides using these sizes
Factory trims and popular community setups from our fitment guides. A popular setup is not a factory approval; each guide explains its trims, axles and clearance limits.
205/55 R15
- BMW 3 Series / M3 E30 (1982–1994)Factory trim
- Honda Fit / Jazz GE (2007–2014)Popular setup
- Mercedes-Benz 190 / 190 E W201 (1982–1993)Factory and popular setup
225/45 R16
- BMW 3 Series / M3 E30 (1982–1994)Factory trim
More comparisons
205/55 R15 compared
Questions
Can I use 225/45 R16 instead of 205/55 R15?
Only on 16-inch wheels, not the 15-inch wheels that take 205/55 R15. The diameter difference is +0.4%, well inside the ±3% screening limit. That does not approve fitment: check the car maker's approved sizes, load index, speed rating, rim width and clearance first.
How much bigger is 225/45 R16 than 205/55 R15?
Overall diameter is 2.4 mm (0.09 in) larger: 608.9 vs 606.5 mm. Section width is 20 mm wider, and the sidewall is 11.5 mm shorter. These are nominal figures; real tyres vary by model and rim width.
Will 225/45 R16 change my speedometer reading?
Yes, by 0.4%. If the speedometer was accurate on 205/55 R15, an indicated 60 mph would be about 60.2 mph on 225/45 R16, and an indicated 100 km/h about 100.4 km/h. You would be going faster than the speedometer shows.
Which is better, 205/55 R15 or 225/45 R16?
Neither in general. 205/55 R15 has the taller sidewall, which usually rides more comfortably; 225/45 R16 usually steers more sharply. 225/45 R16 is wider, which can help dry grip; the narrower size is usually better in standing water and snow. The size listed for your car's trim, on its placard or in the handbook, is the safe default.
Check the exact tyre
Size codes give nominal dimensions. Before buying, confirm the size is approved for your car and check the exact tyre's load and speed ratings and published dimensions.