195/55 R16 Tyre Size — Meaning, Fitment & Alternatives
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We also earn commission from other retail partners. Links below are affiliate links.
What 195/55 R16 means
195/55 R16 is a 195 mm wide tyre with a sidewall 55% of that width (107 mm), on a 16-inch rim. Overall diameter works out at about 621 mm (24.4 in). It fits superminis and compact hatchbacks like the Fiesta and Polo at the smaller end, and Golf, Focus and Astra class cars in the most common variants.
UK: check prices for 195/55 R16 tyres at Tirendo US: check 195/55 R16 prices at WheelHero
195/55 R16 broken down
| Code part | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 195 | Section width in millimetres, sidewall to sidewall |
| Profile (aspect ratio) | 55 | Sidewall height as a percentage of width — 107 mm here |
| R | Radial | Radial construction (standard on modern car tyres) |
| Rim | 16 | Wheel diameter in inches (406 mm) |
Computed dimensions
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 621 mm (24.4 in) |
| Circumference | 1951 mm (76.8 in) |
| Sidewall height | 107 mm |
| Revolutions per mile | ≈ 825 |
| Revolutions per km | ≈ 513 |
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
This family sits at the heart of the European tyre market — the compact hatchback class. Almost every brand makes its core model in this size, so price competition is strong. 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 195/55 R16
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 621 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 185/65 R15 | 622 mm | +0.1% |
| 175/60 R16 | 616 mm | -0.7% |
| 205/45 R17 | 616 mm | -0.7% |
| 215/45 R17 | 625 mm | +0.7% |
| 185/70 R14 | 615 mm | -1.0% |
| 195/60 R15 | 615 mm | -1.0% |
| 205/60 R15 | 627 mm | +1.0% |
| 225/35 R18 | 615 mm | -1.0% |
| 245/40 R17 | 628 mm | +1.1% |
| 195/70 R14 | 629 mm | +1.2% |
Tyre pressure for 195/55 R16
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 195/55 R16 mean?
195/55 R16 means the tyre is 195 mm wide, its sidewall is 55% of that width (107 mm), and it fits a 16-inch wheel. The R stands for radial construction.
What is the overall diameter of a 195/55 R16 tyre?
About 621 mm (24.4 inches), computed from the size code: 16-inch rim plus two sidewalls of 107 mm. Actual measurements vary slightly by brand.
Can I fit a different size instead of 195/55 R16?
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 195/55 R16 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.