Tires marked 205/55R14 converted to an inch reference have the dimensions Height – Width – Wheel Diameter respectively 22.9″ – 8.1″ – 14″. With a wheel circumference of 71.8″, respectively, corresponds to 882 revolutions per mile.
What's in this post?
What does 205/55R14 mean?
The many symbols on car tires are not just for show. They provide helpful information to drivers so they can easily choose the right type of tire, size, and brand that best fits their vehicle needs. So when you see a number and letter on a tire, it means:
1. The initials of the vehicle classification that can be used with this tire:
- “P” – Passenger.
- “LT” – Light Truck.
- “T” – Temporary Tire.
- “ST” – a Special Trailer tire (Intended to be used only on cars, boats, and utility trailers).
2. “205” is the width of the tire in millimeters, measured from sidewall to sidewall.
3. “55” is sidewall height, as a percentage of the width. In this example, the sidewall is 55% as tall as it is wide.
4. “R” stands for radial construction.
5. “14” is the diameter of the wheel in inches.
Replace or Choose a Different-Sized Wheel and Tire
There are quite a few reasons why you might change your tire size. Some of the main reasons are to look more fashionable, to optimize fuel economy, to reduce vehicle load or to increase flexibility.
If you’re looking to replace your current tires with a different size, it’s important to know a few things about sizing before you make your purchase.
Depending on the purpose of use, you can freely choose tires of different heights or widths. However, there is one thing that you should definitely remember, do not change the overall diameter of the tire too much.
Overall diameter cannot be changed by more than 3% of the car’s original overall tire diameter in an upgrade that is considered safe.
| Overall Diameter | Tire Width | Wheel Size | % Difference | |
| 165/65R14 | 22.4″ | 6.5″ | 14 x 4.5-6″ | -2.2% |
| 175/65R14 | 23″ | 6.9″ | 14 x 5-6″ | +0.4% |
| 195/60R14 | 23.2″ | 7.7″ | 14 x 5.5-7″ | +1.3% |
| 185/65R14 | 23.5″ | 7.3″ | 14 x 5-6.5″ | +2.6% |
| 185/60R14 | 22.7″ | 7.3″ | 14 x 5-6.5″ | -0.9% |
| 225/50R14 | 22.9″ | 8.9″ | 14 x 6-8″ | Equal |
What size is 205/55R14 in inches?
- Tire width: 8.1″
- Sidewall height: 4.4″
- Tire Diameter: 22.9″
- Wheel size: 14 x 5.5-7.5″
- Tire circumference: 71.8″
- Revs/Mile: 882
FAQ About 205/55R14 Tire
Which rims will fit 205/55R14 tires?
205/50R14 tires should be mounted on rims that measure 14 x 5.5-7.5″. But the measured rim for 225/50R14 tires is 6.5″.
How many inches tall is a 205/55R14 tire?
The height of a tire depends on the width and sidewall height of the tire. A 205/55R14 tire is about 22.9″ inches tall.
What is the width of a 205/55R14 tire?
The width of the tire when in the metric system is 205mm. After converting the total width of the tire is 8.1″
Now that you know how to read 205/55R14 tire size information, you can be sure to select the right tires for your car the next time you need a new set.
You can also use this knowledge to better understand what your mechanic or tire professional is talking about when they recommend a certain type or size of tire for your vehicle.
