175/55 R15 Tyre Size — Meaning, Fitment & Alternatives
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What 175/55 R15 means
175/55 R15 is a 175 mm wide tyre with a sidewall 55% of that width (96 mm), on a 15-inch rim. Overall diameter works out at about 574 mm (22.6 in). It typically fits superminis and compact hatchbacks like the Fiesta, Polo, Corsa and Fabia class.
UK: check prices for 175/55 R15 tyres at Tirendo US: check 175/55 R15 prices at WheelHero
175/55 R15 broken down
| Code part | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 175 | Section width in millimetres, sidewall to sidewall |
| Profile (aspect ratio) | 55 | Sidewall height as a percentage of width — 96 mm here |
| R | Radial | Radial construction (standard on modern car tyres) |
| Rim | 15 | Wheel diameter in inches (381 mm) |
Computed dimensions
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 574 mm (22.6 in) |
| Circumference | 1802 mm (70.9 in) |
| Sidewall height | 96 mm |
| Revolutions per mile | ≈ 893 |
| Revolutions per km | ≈ 555 |
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
One of the most common size families in the UK and Europe. Because volumes are huge, there is a wide budget-to-premium spread in this size. 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 175/55 R15
This size is most commonly sold in H (130 mph) and V (149 mph) speed ratings, with T (118 mph) versions on economy models. 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 574 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 175/70 R13 | 575 mm | +0.3% |
| 195/50 R15 | 576 mm | +0.4% |
| 165/65 R14 | 570 mm | -0.6% |
| 185/60 R14 | 578 mm | +0.7% |
| 155/80 R13 | 578 mm | +0.8% |
| 165/60 R15 | 579 mm | +1.0% |
| 155/60 R15 | 567 mm | -1.1% |
| 175/60 R14 | 566 mm | -1.4% |
| 195/45 R16 | 582 mm | +1.5% |
| 175/65 R14 | 583 mm | +1.7% |
Tyre pressure for 175/55 R15
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 175/55 R15 mean?
175/55 R15 means the tyre is 175 mm wide, its sidewall is 55% of that width (96 mm), and it fits a 15-inch wheel. The R stands for radial construction.
What is the overall diameter of a 175/55 R15 tyre?
About 574 mm (22.6 inches), computed from the size code: 15-inch rim plus two sidewalls of 96 mm. Actual measurements vary slightly by brand.
Can I fit a different size instead of 175/55 R15?
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 175/55 R15 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.