255/55R16 — what does it mean?
- 255 stands for tread width in millimeters
- 55 is an aspect ration between the tread width and the sidewall in percents
- R means that the tire has a radial construction
- 16 is a wheel diameter (or rim) in inches
How to convert 255 55R16 to inches?
First of all, we need to divide 255 mm (width) by 25.4 (mm to inch conversion), which will give us a width of 10″. Then, 55% of the 10″ will result in 5.5″ sidewall.
To get the total height or tire diameter, we need to sum the 16″ rim diameter with two of the sidewall heights. It will result in a 27″ total tire diameter (or height).
For your convenience, below is a table for 255/55R16 conversion to inches:
| Inches | Metric | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter (height) | 27″ | 686 mm |
| Tread width | 10″ | 255 mm |
| Wheel diameter | 16″ | 686 mm |
| Sidewall height | 5.5″ | 140 mm |
| Circumference | 84.8″ | 2154 mm |
| Revolutions | 747 / ml | 464 / km |
Alternatives to a 255/55R16 tire
If you're looking to upsize your 255 55R16 tires, try to stay within 3% deviation of an overall diameter for safety reasons.
| Tire | Tire diameter | Width | Wheel Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 225/60R16 | 26.6″ -0.37% | 8.9″ | 16″ |
| 225/65R16 | 27.4″ 0.36% | 8.9″ | 16″ |
| 145/90R16 | 26.4″ -0.55% | 5.7″ | 16″ |
| 155/90R16 | 27″ 0% | 6.1″ | 16″ |
| 165/80R16 | 26.4″ -0.55% | 6.5″ | 16″ |
| 175/75R16 | 26.4″ -0.55% | 6.9″ | 16″ |
| 175/80R16 | 27″ 0% | 6.9″ | 16″ |
| 185/75R16 | 27″ 0% | 7.3″ | 16″ |
| 195/75R16 | 27.4″ 0.36% | 7.7″ | 16″ |
| 205/65R16 | 26.4″ -0.55% | 8.1″ | 16″ |