155/70 R13 Tyre Size — Meaning, Fitment & Alternatives
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What 155/70 R13 means
155/70 R13 is a 155 mm wide tyre with a sidewall 70% of that width (108 mm), on a 13-inch rim. Overall diameter works out at about 547 mm (21.5 in). It typically appears on city cars and older superminis — think cars in the class of the Fiat Panda, Hyundai i10 or older Ford Ka.
UK: check prices for 155/70 R13 tyres at Tirendo US: check 155/70 R13 prices at WheelHero
155/70 R13 broken down
| Code part | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 155 | Section width in millimetres, sidewall to sidewall |
| Profile (aspect ratio) | 70 | Sidewall height as a percentage of width — 108 mm here |
| R | Radial | Radial construction (standard on modern car tyres) |
| Rim | 13 | Wheel diameter in inches (330 mm) |
Computed dimensions
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 547 mm (21.5 in) |
| Circumference | 1719 mm (67.7 in) |
| Sidewall height | 108 mm |
| Revolutions per mile | ≈ 936 |
| Revolutions per km | ≈ 582 |
These are computed reference values from the size code arithmetic — actual measurements vary slightly by brand and model. Working in different units? Convert mm to inches with the unit converters at 247QuickTools.
Tyre Owner Essentials
Typical vehicles
City cars and small superminis are the natural home for this size. It favours ride comfort and low cost over outright grip, and replacement tyres are among the cheapest sold. To confirm the exact original-equipment sizes for your car, look up your car's full specs, including OE tyre sizes, at 247VehicleCheck.
Checking your current tread? Owners often keep a tread depth gauge in the glovebox — UK legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
Speed and load ratings commonly sold in 155/70 R13
This size is commonly sold in T (118 mph) and H (130 mph) ratings — more than adequate headroom for the cars that use it. See the full speed rating table and load index table for what each code is rated to.
Alternative & equivalent sizes (±3% diameter)
Sizes within ±3% of this tyre's 547 mm overall diameter keep your speedometer and gearing close to accurate. Always check clearance, rim width compatibility and load rating before switching, and never mix constructions across an axle.
| Alternative size | Overall diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 165/65 R13 | 545 mm | -0.5% |
| 165/60 R14 | 554 mm | +1.2% |
| 195/45 R15 | 556 mm | +1.7% |
| 155/65 R14 | 557 mm | +1.8% |
| 175/65 R13 | 558 mm | +1.9% |
| 185/55 R14 | 559 mm | +2.2% |
| 145/70 R13 | 533 mm | -2.6% |
| 165/70 R13 | 561 mm | +2.6% |
| 145/80 R13 | 562 mm | +2.7% |
| 155/65 R13 | 532 mm | -2.8% |
Tyre pressure for 155/70 R13
Correct pressure depends on your vehicle and load, not on the tyre size alone — always follow the placard inside the driver's door or the handbook. Typical car pressures fall between 30 and 36 psi. For psi-to-bar maths, the calculators at 247Calculators can help. A monthly check with an accurate gauge catches slow leaks before they wear the shoulders.
Recommended Accessories
FAQ
What does 155/70 R13 mean?
155/70 R13 means the tyre is 155 mm wide, its sidewall is 70% of that width (108 mm), and it fits a 13-inch wheel. The R stands for radial construction.
What is the overall diameter of a 155/70 R13 tyre?
About 547 mm (21.5 inches), computed from the size code: 13-inch rim plus two sidewalls of 108 mm. Actual measurements vary slightly by brand.
Can I fit a different size instead of 155/70 R13?
Only if the alternative stays within about ±3%% of the original overall diameter, fits your rim width, clears the bodywork and meets the placard's load and speed ratings. When in doubt, keep the placard size.
What pressure should 155/70 R13 tyres run at?
Pressure is set by the vehicle, not the tyre size — check the placard inside the driver's door or your handbook. Typical car values fall between 30 and 36 psi.
Related pages on this site
Last updated:
Data: computed reference values (ETRTO tyre-size arithmetic), build date 22 July 2026. Reference only — always follow your vehicle manufacturer's placard or handbook.