How is tire width measured


How to Read & Determine Tire Size for Your Vehicle

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How To Determine Tire Size

Once you have determined it’s time to buy tires, you’ll need to know what size tires are correct for your vehicle. Depending on what you drive, you may be interested in how to find the right tire for your…  

  • Sedans or CUV
  • Light Trucks or SUV
  • Motorcycle
  • RV

This information is usually inside your car’s doorjamb, in your owner’s manual. To ensure your current tire or a replacement tire you may be looking at matches your vehicle’s requirements, it will be good for you to understand how tire sizing works. You may have never paid attention to the string of numbers and letters on every tire, but it’s a gold mine of information.

If you’re unsure of how to read tire measurements from your tire walls, the information and graphics below will tell you how to read tire size, understand and interpret it. If you decide you want to substitute a new size or tire type, consult an authorized tire retailer who can expertly advise you, because many optional tire sizes may have different load capacities and could require wheels of a different rim width or diameter and different inflation pressure.

Not sure you need new tires? Our Tire Replacement Guidance article will help you determine whether it’s time to retire your tires.

Metric Sizing

Most passenger cars, SUVs and light pickups (1/2 ton and smaller) will come with tires that are either P-Metric or Euro-Metric. For P-Metric tires, you’ll see the letter “P” before the number sequence begins: P225/70R16 97H. P-metric is a designation standardized by the Tire and Rim Association for a “passenger car” tire type. For Euro-Metric there will be no preceding letter before the number sequence begins: 225/70R16 98H. Euro-Metric is a designation standardized by the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization for a “passenger car” tire type.  Both P-Metric and Euro-Metric size tires are designed to primarily be used on passenger vehicles, which can include cars, minivans, SUVs, and other light duty pickup trucks.

If your vehicle is an SUV, Pickup truck or van, you might see a different type of size designation on your placard that is specific for heavy duty light trucks and vans, especially common on ¾ ton and larger pickup trucks and vans. There are two common size types in this category, LT-Metric and Euro-Metric Commercial (aka C-type). Both size types are metric and so use the same structure as P-Metric and Euro-Metric but have some different characters in the size that differentiate them from their passenger car cousins. LT-Metric tires will have the letters “LT” before the size number sequence: LT245/75R17 119/116R Load Range E. Notice that there are two load index numbers and a Load Range, see the section on Load Index for more info.  LT-Metric is a designation standardized by the Tire and Rim Association for a “light truck” type tire. Euro-Metric Commercial or C-Type tires will look very similar to a passenger Euro-Metric size except that there will be a “C” right after the rim size: 23/65R16C 121/119R. Notice that the C-type tires also have two load index numbers. Euro-Metric Commercial, or C-Type is a designation standardized by the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization for a light truck type tire. Light truck tires are designed to be used on vehicles capable of carrying heavy cargo and are usually only specified by a vehicle manufacturer on vehicles exceeding a certain load capacity.

Other types of tires that fall into the Metric sizing type are Temporary Spares, they start with “T”. If you see a size that starts with “ST,” that means “special trailer” and is only for use on a trailer.

Regardless of whether you are looking at a P-Metric, Euro-Metric, LT-Metric, Euro-Metric Commercial, T or ST tire the numbers in the size mean the same thing.

Width

The first number to appear in your tire size information is the width, in millimeters, of the correct tires for your vehicle: P225/70R16 91S.

Tire width always refers to the measurement from one sidewall to another. Thus, a tire with the measurement “P225” is for a passenger vehicle and has a nominal width of 225 millimeters.

Aspect Ratio

After the slash mark, the next number you see is for the tire’s aspect ratio, which essentially tells you how tall your tire’s profile is: P225/70R16 91S. Aspect ratios are delivered in percentages. Tire makers calculate the aspect ratio by dividing a tire’s height off the rim by its width. If a tire has an aspect ratio of 70, it means the tire’s height is 70% of its width.

Lower aspect ratio tires, such as a 60 series, generally offer vehicle handling performance advantages over higher aspect ratio tires, such as a 75 series, but a typical trade off can be ride harshness.

Construction

After the aspect ratio comes a letter that indicates the type of internal construction maintaining your tire’s stability: P225/70R16 91S.

There are two types of construction that you may see on the sidewall of a tire:

  • R – Radial
  • D or “B” or “-“ – Diagonal or Bias Ply

Radial tires are the most common tires on the road in the United States today; thus “R” will usually be shown in the tire size designation. Radial construction means the tire’s internal ply cords are oriented in a radial direction, from one bead over to the other, essentially perpendicular to the direction of rotation. You may also occasionally see RF indicating a run flat tire or ZR indicating a tire that is a speed rating higher than V.

Rim Diameter

The next number is the diameter code, in inches, of the rim onto which the tire can be mounted. For example, a tire with the P225/70R16 91S would fit a rim with a 16-inch diameter.

Load Index

Load index can be a confusing subject because there are so many different caveats, but we will try to explain everything here.

The next figure after the rim size in the sequence is your tire’s load index, which tells us how much weight, in pounds, the tire can support when fully inflated: P225/70R16 91S

We call it the load “index” because the number doesn’t tell us the precise number of pounds the tire can carry, at least not by itself. However, the number does correspond to a specific load capacity listed in an index. Beginning with 1 and ending with 150, numbers in the load index represent carrying capacities of 99 to 7385 lbs.

There are two types of load types for passenger tires though, Standard Load and Extra Load. If a tire is Standard Load there will be no markings indicating it but if it is Extra Load the letters XL will appear after the size and load index.

Standard Load Euro-Metric: 215/55R17 94V

Extra Load Euro-Metric: 215/55R17 98V XL

Passenger car tires like P-Metric and Euro-Metric will only have one load index number where LT-Metric and Euro-Metric Commercial (C-Type) will have two numbers separated by a slash. The first number is the load index if the tire is used in a single application, the second number is the load index if the tire is used in a dual application. Passenger type tires cannot be used in a dual application. Light truck tires will also have a Load Range that is indicated by a letter, such as Load Range E. Load Range is an older term that is still commonly used in the industry so you may hear your tire dealer reference it but the load index numbers are the best way to ensure you have the proper tire.

One important but often misunderstood facet about load index is that the load index numbers between standards organizations (P-Metric vs Euro-Metric) are not necessarily on the same scale. Meaning that two tires in the two different systems that have the same load index number could have different maximum load capacities. This is why it’s important to not only look at the load index number but also verify the actual load capacity.

Speed Rating

The final figure in a tire size sequence is the speed rating, which is indicated by a letter: P225/70R16 91S. Just as your load index number corresponds to a specific load, your speed rating letter corresponds to a particular speed capability based on a standardized laboratory test.

For example, a tire with speed rating “S” is rated for up to 112 mph, while a tire rated “R” is up to 106 mph. Remember that this isn’t a recommended cruising speed. Of course, you should always follow legal speed limits on roadways.

Replacement tires must have the same or higher speed rating as the vehicle’s Original Equipment to maintain vehicle speed capability. If a vehicle has tires with different speed ratings, it is the speed rating of the “slowest” tire that dictates the vehicle top speed.

Flotation Sizing

There is one last sizing type that you should know about, especially if you are in the market for off road tires for a light truck or SUV. It’s called a Flotation size and the numbers in this sizing format are very different from the Metric formats. Flotation sized tires are similar to LT-Metric tires in application except for a few important points. Number one, they cannot be used in dual applications and number two, an equivalent size tire may have different load capacity than its LT-Metric counterpart.

Overall Diameter

The first number in the Flotation tire size is the overall diameter in inches. Pretty straight forward.

Section Width

The second number is the section width (sidewall to sidewall) measurement in inches. Again, fairly simple.

Construction

After the section width comes a letter that indicates the type of internal construction: 33X12.50R17LT 120Q.

This is the same as is found in the metric sizing systems.

There are two types of construction that you may see on the sidewall of a tire:

  • R – Radial
  • D or “B” or “-“ – Diagonal or Bias Ply

Radial tires are the most common tires on the road in the United States today; thus “R” will usually be shown in the tire size designation. Radial construction means the tire’s internal ply cords are oriented in a radial direction, from one bead over to the other, essentially perpendicular to the direction of rotation.

Rim Diameter

The next number is the diameter code, in inches, of the rim onto which the tire can be mounted. For example, a tire with the 33X12.50R17LT 120Q would fit a rim with a 17-inch diameter.

LT type

The letters LT will be after the Rim Diameter indicating that this tire type is intended for Light Truck vehicles similar to the LT-Metric and Euro-Metric Commercial (C-Type) tires.

Load Index and Speed Rating

Load Index and Speed Rating have the same meaning and format as the tires using the metric sizing system. Note that since flotation tires cannot be used in a dual application there will be only one load index number instead of two.  

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

Another group of stamping on certain types of tires is the Uniform Tire Quality Grading or UTQG. This grading and stamping is required for passenger car tires (i.e. P-metric and Euro-metric) in the all season and summer categories. Dedicated winter tires, Light Truck (LT-Metric, Euro-Metric Commercial, Flotation) and Motorcycle tires are excluded from this requirement.

Quality grading is designed to make the tire purchase decision easier for you. Ideally, the system is intended to provide simple, comparative data so you can make an intelligent buying decision. However, the ratings are based upon test results achieved under special conditions. This means it’s possible to misinterpret the comparative data as it relates to your individual driving habits, conditions, etc. You should still rely on your service or tire professional for assistance. 

Quality grading designates the comparative performance levels of a tire based on government-specified tests but commissioned by the individual tire manufacturers. All tire manufacturers are required to grade regular and all-season passenger tires in three categories:

UTQG

  1. Treadwear
  2. Traction 
  3. Temperature

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course for 6,000 miles (9,600 km). For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. However actual tire performance depends on driving habits, road characteristics, service practices, and other factors that can influence the outcome. 

Traction Grades AA, A, B and C 
The traction grades from highest to lowest are AA (the highest), A, B and C. They represent how well tires stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. C-rated tires will have the lowest traction performance.  

WARNING: THE TRACTION GRADE ASSIGNED IS BASED ON A WET BRAKING (STRAIGHT AHEAD) TRACTION TEST AND DOES NOT INCLUDE CORNERING (TURNING) TRACTION.

Temperature Grades A, B and C 
The temperature grades A, B, and C represent the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the tire’s material to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a performance level all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and B represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. 

WARNING: THE TEMPERATURE GRADE IS ESTABLISHED FOR A TIRE THAT IS PROPERLY INFLATED AND NOT OVERLOADED. EXCESSIVE SPEED, UNDER INFLATION, OR EXCESSIVE LOADING, EITHER SEPARATELY OR IN COMBINATION, CAN CAUSE HEAT BUILDUP AND POSSIBLE TIRE FAILURE.

DOT Quality Grades 
All passenger car tires must conform to other federal requirements in addition to these grades.

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Tire Width

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Definition & Description

There are 3 common width measurements when talking about tires.

  • Section Width
    • Section width is the measurement from sidewall to sidewall, at its widest point. It is generally expressed in millimeters. Any raised lettering or protective ribs on the sidewall are not included.
    • Section width is the measurement printed on the sidewall.
  • Overall Width
    • Overall width is the total width of the tire, including any raised features on the sidewall.
    • Overall width is important to ensure proper clearance.
  • Tread Width
    • Thread width is the measurement between the edges of a tire's tread design. It gives the approximate size of the tire's "contact patch" with the ground. (The contact patch will change with vehicle weight and tire inflation.)
    • Tread width will be a factor when trying to maximize traction

How is it Measured?

The measurements listed on a tire's sidewall are the product of a standardized system that is used by all tire manufacturers. A tire's section width is measured:


  • With no load on the tire,
  • After it has been mounted on its industry assigned measuring rim, and
  • Inflated to the proper pressure.

The width of the measuring rim is determined by the tire size. The assigned measuring rim width changes with the tire's Section Width and Aspect Ratio. The narrow measuring rims are assigned to narrow tires with taller sidewalls. The wider measuring rims are assigned to wider tires with lower profiles.

Tire Size Measuring Rim Width
P175/75R14 5. 0 in.
P195/75R15 5.5 in.
P215/75/R15 6.0 in.
P235/75R15 6.5 in.
P225/75R15 6.0 in.
P225/70R15 6.5 in.
P225/65R16 6.5 in.
P225/60R15 6.5 in.
P225/55R15 7.0 in.
P225/50R15 7.0 in.
P225/45R17 7.5 in.
P225/40R18 8.0 in.

Manufacturers also designate a minimum and maximum wheel width that a tire can be safely mounted on. The width of the rim will affect the section width of the tire.

  • A wider rim will produce a wider tire.
  • A more narrow rim will produce a more narrow tire.

Answer ID 4652   |    Published 06/21/2016 09:23 AM   |    Updated 03/06/2019 03:22 PM

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Tire Marking - infographic - magazine Behind the wheel

How to choose the right tires for your car? In the off-season, for many drivers, this is the most pressing issue. The necessary information about the dimensions, speed and loading characteristics of tires can be easily found in the car's operating manual. Sergey Mishin, head of the tire test group of Za Rulem magazine, talks about how to navigate the tire markings and what threatens mistakes in choosing winter and summer tires.

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MILLIMETERS AND INCHES

The main "metrics" of the tire are hidden in a set of numbers printed on the sidewall. Take, for example, 195/65R15.

The first (195) indicates the width of the tire section in millimetres. The second (65), after the slash, is a series of tires. In fact, this is the height of its profile, indicated as a percentage of the width. In more familiar millimeters, it will be: 195 × 0.65 = 126.75.

The letter R indicates the radial design of the tire. And the last digit (15) indicates the landing diameter (not the radius!) of the tire in inches. Converting it to millimeters (15 × 25.4 = 381) and adding twice the height of the profile (or sidewall) in the same units (126.75 × 2 = 253.5), we get the main overall size of the tire - its outer diameter: 381 +253.5 = 634.5 mm.

The owner's manual will tell you which tires are suitable for your car. The lazy ones will find a label with allowable sizes and recommended pressure on the end of the driver's door or the B-pillar.

If the tire diameter is less than optimal, this will lead to a decrease in ground clearance, and the use of tires with a larger diameter is limited by the dimensions of the wheel arches. Rubber should not touch the body or chassis elements - especially when turning the wheels left and right and driving with a load on uneven roads. Any deviation of the diameter from the recommended one also affects the speedometer readings.

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If the car manufacturer allows you to vary the size of the tires within certain limits, please note that wider tires are preferable for summer: the wider the contact patch with the road, the better the tires cling to it. But the wider the tire, the greater the rolling resistance. In addition, on such tires, the car handles worse in small radius turns - the tread has to slip due to the fact that its opposite sides pass different paths. Another disadvantage of wide tires is the tendency to hydroplaning (loss of contact with a wet road).

The high sidewall softens bumps well, but makes the tire more pliable. When turning, it deforms and does not respond so quickly to taxiing. Therefore, in terms of handling and stability, a low profile tire is preferable. But it is stiffer and has less durable sidewalls.

In winter, on the other hand, the specific pressure in the contact patch should be higher, which improves grip on ice and snow. So, narrower tires are preferable here.

CHAMBER OF WEIGHS AND MEASURES

In the marking, as a rule, there are a couple more numbers that are rarely paid attention to, for example, 91H, 95T. These are indices of carrying capacity and maximum permissible speed. According to special tables, it is not difficult to convert them into specific values ​​of load (in kilograms) and speed (in kilometers per hour).

02-03-dop1

Here is an example calculation for a maximum speed of 185 km/h. We increase the figure by 15%, since such an increase is possible when driving on a long descent or with a strong tailwind. 185 x 1.15 = 209,3. This number according to table No. 1 is between the values ​​190 and 210. We round it up and get the index H.

). But in no case should you exceed the speed limit of tires - they will not withstand a large centrifugal force.

Now about the load capacity. The number 82, for example, indicates that the tire is capable of carrying a load of no more than 475 kg. Determine the minimum required for your vehicle based on the maximum axle load at its full weight. Divide this value by two and in the tables (they are shown in the photo gallery at the bottom of the article) select the nearest value, rounding it up. Some tire and car manufacturers recommend increasing the calculated value by 20%, creating some kind of margin.

illust_1r

SWAT

On some tires, this set is supplemented by some more symbols.

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XL is a pure bluff, designed to suggest that tires have an increased load capacity. But the real load is determined only by the index described above.

The symbols SUV or 4×4 (depending on the manufacturer) mean that the tires are designed for crossovers or all-terrain vehicles. Their main features are a more powerful frame and shoulders reinforced from the inside.

The letter C in the marking (for example, 185/75R16C) refers to light commercial vehicles (minivans and light trucks). Such tires are distinguished by a double index of load capacity (for example, 104/102Q), where the first digit indicates the load capacity of the wheel in a single-wheel version, and the second - in a two-wheel version.

Run-flat tires are able to cover some distance without losing air. They also have a distinctive marking, which is shown in the table (you will find it in the photo gallery below).

TO THE PIT, TO THE DITCH

There is an opinion that on bad roads it is better to use tires with a high speed index: they are supposedly stronger. There is an element of truth here. An additional reinforcing "padding" between the breaker and the carcass makes the tires a little less vulnerable to impacts. The payoff for this is increased rigidity, sometimes also noise.

In fact, in difficult conditions, tires with a higher load index are preferable. They not only have an additional backing, but also reinforced sidewalls.

Choosing tires: what do the codes on tires mean (INFOGRAPHICS)

How to choose the right tires for your car? In the off-season, for many drivers, this is the most pressing issue. The necessary information about the dimensions, speed and loading characteristics of tires can be easily found in the car's operating manual. Sergey Mishin, head of the tire test group of Za Rulem magazine, talks about how to navigate the tire markings and what threatens mistakes in choosing winter and summer tires.

Choosing tires: what do tire codes mean (INFOGRAPHICS)

Choosing tires: what do tire codes mean (INFOGRAPHICS)

How to choose the right tires for your car? In the off-season, for many drivers, this is the most pressing issue.

The necessary information about the dimensions, speed and loading characteristics of tires can be easily found in the car's operating manual. Sergey Mishin, head of the tire test group of Za Rulem magazine, talks about how to navigate the tire markings and what threatens mistakes in choosing winter and summer tires.

Choosing tires: what do the ciphers on tires mean (INFOGRAPHICS)

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Tire marking. How to correctly determine tire parameters

Do you want to choose a tire for your car, but do not understand tire markings well? It's not a problem! In this section, we will help you figure out what tire parameters are, what they mean, and which tire is right for your car.

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Explanation of tire markings.

195/65 R15 91 TXL

195 is the tire width in mm.

65 - Proportionality, i.e. profile height to width ratio. In our case, it is equal to 65%. Simply put, with the same width, the larger this indicator, the higher the tire will be and vice versa. Usually this value is simply called “profile”.

Since the tire profile is a relative value, it is important to take into account when choosing rubber that if you want to put tires with a size of 205/65 R15 instead of the size 195/65 R15, then not only the width of the tire will increase, but also the height! Which in most cases is unacceptable! (except when both of these sizes are indicated in the car's operating book). You can calculate the exact data on changing the outer dimensions of the wheel in a special tire calculator.

If this ratio is not specified (for example, 185/R14C), then it is equal to 80-82% and the tire is called full profile. Reinforced tires with this marking are usually used on minibuses and light trucks, where a large maximum wheel load is very important.

R - means a tire with a radial cord (in fact, almost all tires are made this way now).

Many mistakenly believe that R- means the radius of the tire, but this is precisely the radial design of the tire. There is also a diagonal design (indicated by the letter D), but recently it has practically not been produced, since its performance is noticeably worse.

15 - wheel (rim) diameter in inches. (It is the diameter, not the radius! This is also a common mistake). This is the “landing” diameter of the tire on the disk, i.e. is the inside size of the tire or the outside of the rim.

91 - load index. This is the level of maximum permissible load on one wheel. For passenger cars, it is usually done with a margin and is not a decisive factor when choosing tires (in our case, IN - 91 - 670 kg. ). For minibuses and small trucks, this parameter is very important and must be observed.

Tire load index table:

T - tire speed index. The larger it is, the faster you can ride on this tire (in our case, IS - H - up to 210 km / h). Speaking about the tire speed index, I would like to note that with this parameter, the tire manufacturer guarantees the normal operation of the rubber when the car is constantly moving at the specified speed for several hours.

Speed ​​index table:

American Tire Marking:

There are two different markings for American tires. The first one is very similar to the European one, only the letters “P” (Passanger - for a passenger car) or “LT” (Light Truck - light truck) are placed before the size. For example: P 195/60 R 14 or LT 235/75 R15. And another tire marking, which is fundamentally different from the European one.

Example: 31x10. 5 R15 (corresponding to European size 265/75 R15)

31 is the outside diameter of the tire in inches.
10.5 is tire width in inches.
R - a tire with a radial design (older models of tires were with a diagonal design).
15 is the inner diameter of the tire in inches.

Generally speaking, except for inches that are unusual for us, the American tire marking is logical and more understandable, unlike the European one, where the height of the tire profile is not constant and depends on the width of the tire. And here everything is simple with decoding: the first digit of the standard size is the outer diameter, the second is the width, the third is the inner diameter.

Additional information indicated in the marking on the sidewall of the tire:

XL or Extra Load is a reinforced tire, the load index of which is 3 units higher than that of conventional tires of the same size. In other words, if a given tire has a load index of 91 marked XL or Extra Load, then this means that with this index, the tire is able to withstand a maximum load of 670 kg instead of 615 kg (see the table of tire load indices).

M+S or M&S tire marking (Mud + Snow) - mud plus snow and means that the tires are all-season or winter. Many summer tires for SUVs are labeled M&S. However, these tires must not be used in winter, as winter tires have a completely different rubber compound and tread pattern, and the M&S badge indicates good flotation performance.

All Season or AS all season tires. Aw (Any Weather) - Any weather.

Pictogram * (snowflake) — rubber is designed for use in harsh winter conditions. If this marking is not on the sidewall of the tire, then this tire is intended for use only in summer conditions.

Aquatred, Aquacontact, Rain, Water, Aqua or pictogram (umbrella) - special rain tires.

Outside and Inside ; asymmetric tires, i.e. It is important not to confuse which side is the outside and which is the inside. When installing, the Outside inscription must be on the outside of the car, and Inside on the inside.

RSC (RunFlat System Component) - RunFlat tires are tires that you can continue to drive a car at a speed of no more than 80 km / h with a FULL drop in pressure in the tire (due to a puncture or cut). On these tires, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations, you can drive from 50 to 150 km. Different tire manufacturers use different designations for RSC technology. For example: Bridgestone RFT, Continental SSR, Goodyear RunOnFlat, Nokian Run Flat, Michelin ZP etc.

Rotation or arrow This marking on the tire sidewall indicates a directional tire. When installing the tire, you must strictly observe the direction of rotation of the wheel, indicated by the arrow.

Tubeless - tubeless tire. In the absence of this inscription, the tire can only be used with a camera. Tube Type - indicates that this tire must be used only with a tube.

Max Pressure ; maximum allowable tire pressure. Max Load - the maximum allowable load on each wheel of the car, in kg.

Reinforced or the letters RF in the size (for example 195/70 R15RF) means that this is a reinforced tire (6 layers). The letter C at the end of the size (for example 195/70 R15C) indicates a truck tire (8 layers).

Radial this marking on the rubber in the standard size means that this is a radial construction tire. Steel means that there is a metal cord in the tire structure.

Letter E (in a circle) - the tire meets the European requirements of ECE (Economic Commission for Europe). DOT (Department of Transportation - US Department of Transportation) is an American quality standard.

Temperature A, B, or C High speed tire temperature resistance on the test bench (A is best).


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