195/55R16 vs 205/55R16Tire Size Comparison

Safe

The 1.8% diameter difference is within the accepted 3% tolerance.

195/55R16621mm dia205/55R16632mm dia+5.5mm

Comparison Details

Overall Diameter620.9 vs 631.9 mm (+11.0 mm)
Diameter Difference+1.77%
Section Width195 vs 205 mm (+10 mm)
Sidewall Height107.3 vs 112.8 mm (+5.5 mm)
Circumference1950.6 vs 1985.2 mm
Clearance Change+5.5 mm
Speedometer Error+1.77%
Revs/Mile825 vs 811

Speedometer Correction

When switching from 195/55R16 to 205/55R16, your speedometer will differ from actual speed.

SpeedometerActual SpeedDifference
30 km/h30.5 km/h+0.5 km/h
40 km/h40.7 km/h+0.7 km/h
50 km/h50.9 km/h+0.9 km/h
60 km/h61.1 km/h+1.1 km/h
70 km/h71.2 km/h+1.2 km/h
80 km/h81.4 km/h+1.4 km/h
90 km/h91.6 km/h+1.6 km/h
100 km/h101.8 km/h+1.8 km/h
110 km/h111.9 km/h+1.9 km/h
120 km/h122.1 km/h+2.1 km/h
130 km/h132.3 km/h+2.3 km/h

Vehicles Using These Sizes

Vehicles with 205/55R16

Individual Tire Size Details

Practical Guidance

Switching from 195/55R16 to 205/55R16 is within the industry-accepted 3% diameter tolerance. Your speedometer, ABS, and traction control should function normally. Both sizes fit the same 16-inch rim, so no wheel change is needed.

The 3% diameter tolerance is a widely accepted industry guideline referenced by the ETRTO and most vehicle manufacturers. When in doubt, consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a qualified tire professional. For U.S. tire safety standards and recalls, see the NHTSA Tire Safety page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safe. The overall diameter differs by 1.77%, width changes by 10mm.

Speedometer error will be 1.77%. At an indicated 100 km/h, actual speed is about 101.8 km/h.

Ground clearance changes by +5.5mm per side.