Rim width and tire width are two closely related sizes. Flexible tire sidewalls alow a single tire size to be mounted on a rim of various widths.
Actually, there is an approved rim width range for every tire size, but on the other side, there is a tire width range for every rim size, specifically, rim width.
Note: There are three charts on this page. First chart shows tire widths adequate for a certain rim width and tire aspect ratios. The other two charts are doing the same but in a separate table for each rim width; inside the table data is ordered by tire width or tire aspect ratio.
When replacing a rim or a tire with a wider one you could ask a question in two different ways:
The answer would be: "Rim widths corresponding to the tire size 195/65 R15 are: 5.5, 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0 inches". The information related to other tire sizes can be found in Wheel/Rim Size Calculator or Rim Width Range and Measuring rim for Tire Size chart.
If you want to mount a wider or a narrower tire on the existing rim you could ask the question:
For example, appropriate tire widths for the 6" rim are from 175mm to 225mm. That's answer you can find in the charts below this text.
When replacing OE(original equipment) tire with a wider one, aftermarket tire, the width of rim should be taken into consideration because each rim width corresponds to only a few tire widths.
The charts presented below could help you to make the rational decision about the tire width you need for the given wheel/rim width.
But, please consider that the resulting tire list lacks certain tire sizes, so it should not be treated as complete. When we say tire size in this context(relation between tire width and rim width), we mean only on tire width(i.e., section width) and tire aspect ratio/series, there is no rim diameter. Tires presented in the list should not be all considered suitable for your car, because only a few of them or maybe, only one would satisfy a requirement that their overall diameter should be almost the same as your OE (original equipment) tire diameter.
The data presented in the charts is only for the passenger car metric tires.
NOTICE: These charts do not represent complete or ultimate solution for this particular purpose, they are only a reference.
So, when you find tire sizes, i.e., tire width and series combinations that fit your wheels/rims, use our Tire Size Calculator – Tire Dimensions to compare them with your OE Tire size to ensure that the selected tires circumferences or diameters do not deviate too much from the OE tire circumference or diameter. This is extremely important for many reasons.
The charts, as an addition to our tire4rim calculator, should be used along with our rim4tire calculator, which complement each other. If you choose a tire size in these charts or in the Tire size for rim size calculator, do one more check in the Wheel/Rim size calculator(or in the chart: Rim width range and Measuring rim width for Tire Size) for the selected tire size, to double check if the selected tire size has your rim in
the acceptable rim width range.
Find more relevant information below these charts.
Can I mount a smaller tire width than the one presented in the chart as the smallest, for the specific rim width?
Notes: A Tire with higher profile(series) for the same tire width or the same profile for a wider tire width, has a higher tire sidewall, that means more comfortable ride. Wider tires create more traction on the road, resulting in reducing fuel economy.
Disclaimer:
Please note that these charts should be used only as a reference and they should be verified with tire/wheel manufacturers. They are for informative purposes only. The tyresizecalculator.com is not responsible for any errors that may arise with their usage.
In the charts, every tire width and aspect ratio combination, listed below the certain rim width, could be mounted on the rim width, but the question is: which tire width is the best fit to the rim width?
The tire Measuring Rim Width, which stems from the tire size could help. You already have the tire width, the aspect ratio, the rim diameter you want to use, that is, you have the full tire size. if your rim width is closer to the measuring rim of selected tire, it's more likely that the chosen tire would fit your rim.
Every tire size has its own Measuring Rim (check the Measuring Rim Width for a tire size by clicking the previous link). In other words, the nominal tire size(imprinted on a tire sidewall) becomes the real tire size when fitted on the appropriate Measuring Rim.
For the specific rim size and adequate tire dimensions try out our Tire size for rim size/width calculator which tells you what tire sizes to pick for entered rim size(i.
e., rim width).
The charts in this article show what tire width and series combinations fit to the specific wheel/rim width i.e., they show the tire width range for the given rim width. E.g., for the 7" (inch) rim width, following tire widths can be fitted: from 195mm to 255mm.
In the charts, beside each tire width, there is one more tire dimension: a tire series. The tire series is the ratio between the tire section height(i.e., tire sidewall height) and the tire section width (i.e., tire width). Series = tire sidewall height / tire width.
If two tires have the same tire width, but different series: the first has 50, the second has 30, that means that the second tire has the smaller tire sidewall height(lower profile) in relation to the first, so rims will be closer to the road.
The tire width, the rim width and the tire series are closely related sizes when we talk about the tire to rim fitment.
The reason for this is that for almost every tire series there is a different rim width/tire width ratio(specified by the tire associations). The ratio is used for determining the Measuring Rim for the tire. In other words, a lower aspect ratio means that you could use a wider rim for the same nominal tire width.
Actual tire dimensions depend on a rim on which a tire is mounted. The nominal tire size is imprinted on the tire sidewall, but the tire gets its real dimensions(i.e., real tire size) only when mounted on the rim. That's the reason why a Measuring Rim exists for every tire size.
Next important info is that the tire width changes for about 5mm (2/10") for every 0.5" (inches) change in the rim width, in the Approved Rim Width Range for the tire.
Suppose you have the tire size 195/65 R15 on the 6" (inch) rim width (6"x15"). If you changed the rim to 7"x15", according to the previous rule, when you mount the tire 195/65 R15 on that rim, the real tire width would be 195mm + (2 x 5mm) = 205 mm.
The type of rim, that tire is designed for, is also important.
All these things could affect the overall tire diameter(or circumference), which is important to stay in the permissible limit, during the process of tire replacement.
These charts are only for the passenger car metric tires.
The charts are a compilation of data from year books of renowned tire manufacturers, and it might not be in accordance with the newest data, so please, always check the data from these charts with tire manufacturers or tire specialists!
Looking at one chart row, for one rim width, treated as a measuring rim width(MRW), there are various tire widths in columns, designated as aspect ratio(i.e., tire series/profile). In the row, as series rises, the tire width rises also. So, we may say there are the minimum and the maximum tire width for one rim width, but only in the context of the tire series.
If we took only one cell in the row, which contains one tire width, for e.
g., the one with the minimum tire width(TW) for observed rim width(RW), could we say that this is the minimum tire width that can be mounted on the rim width? No. The cell contains the real tire width for the rim width, the one which is equal to the nominal tire width/size(imprinted on the tire sidewall), the one we get when the tire with that nominal tire width is mounted on the rim with the rim width.
This doesn't mean we can't mount a smaller tire width than the one showed in the chart as the smallest for the same rim width. How so? For e.g., the row with 9" rim width lists as the smallest tire width, 255mm for AR: 25,30,35 and 40. Is it possible to mount smaller tire width than 255 on that rim? Yes.
In our Wheel/Rim Size Calculator-Shows acceptable rim width range for the tyre size, enter tire size 245/40 R 18, you'll get approved rim width range(ARWR): 8" – 9.5" and measuring rim width of 8.5", which means you can mount that tire size(with 245mm tire width) on 9" wide rim, because it's in the ARWR for that tire size.
But, measuring rim width(MRW) for that tire size is 8.5", and we were talking about mounting the tire on the rim width of 9".
A tire gets its final size after being mounted on a rim. Every rim width increase of 0.5" as a result has tire width increase of 5mm or 2/10", when the tire is mounted. Every tire size has a measuring rim width and an approved rim width range.
Hence, when we mount the nominal tire size(imprinted on the tire sidewall) 245/40 R 18, which has MRW equal to 8.5", on the rim width of 9", the real tire size, specifically, real tire width would be 250mm, not 245mm, because the rim on which the tire is mounted is 0.5" greater than the tire MRW.
Related articles:
Tire size can be confusing. Some numbers on the sidewall are listed in millimeters while others are inches. Plus, the right size for your car, truck, or trailer can differ depending on where and how you drive.
You can see your original equipment tire size in your owner’s manual or on the placard generally located on the driver’s side door jam. This is the sizing recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
If you’re interested in switching out your tires for a different look or performance, a good place to start is the numbers and other indicators on your existing tires’ sidewall. Next, have a tire professional help you determine a tire size range that will fit your vehicle and driving needs.
Here’s what those numbers and indicators on the sidewall indicate and how to understand them:
A: TIRE TYPE The first letter in the code tells you what class of tire it is.
P stands for passenger vehicle tire. P-class tires include cars, SUVs, crossovers, minivans and smaller pickup trucks.
LT means light truck tire, designed for vehicles that are capable of carrying heavy loads, towing trailers, or for those looking for an extra heavy duty option.
These are often equipped on three-quarter or 1 ton trucks and SUVs.
ST stands for Special Trailer. These tire sizes are meant for trailers, including fifth wheels and other travel trailers, as well as boat and utility trailers.
If there’s no letter before the first number, you have a metric tire most commonly referred to as European size. It’s also measured in millimeters but may have a different load capacity than a P or LT tire.
B: TIRE WIDTH The three-digit number following the letter is the tire’s width (from side to side, looking at the tire head on) in millimeters. This may also be referred to as the section width.
C: ASPECT RATIO The forward slash separates the tire width number from the two-digit aspect ratio. The bigger the aspect ratio, the higher/taller the tire’s sidewall, or “profile” as it’s sometimes called.
The aspect ratio is indicated on the tire sidewall as a percentage. It’s the height of the sidewall measured from wheel rim to top of the tread, expressed as a percentage of tire width.
In this example, the aspect ratio is 65, meaning the sidewall is 65 percent as high as the tire is wide. To get the sidewall height, take the tire width of 215 mm and convert it to inches (8.46). Then multiply this by 65% (.65). This gives you an answer of 5.5, the sidewall height in inches.
D: CONSTRUCTION TYPE This single letter tells you about the internal construction of the tire.
R is for radial tires, the industry standard for most tires today. They have better road grip, lower rolling resistance for better gas mileage, ride comfort and durability than previous generations of tires. In a radial tire, the plies — layers of strong cords made of a blend of polyester, steel and fabric and coated with rubber — are laid perpendicular to the direction of travel.
D is for tires built with diagonal (crisscrossed) plies, called bias-constructed tires. They are also called conventional, x-ply, or cross-ply tires.
Some motorcycle and trailer tires still use this internal construction.
Some run-flat tires are identified with an F followed by the type of internal construction.
E: WHEEL DIAMETER This two-digit number specifies wheel diameter in inches. It’s the distance between the two bead seat areas (where a tire gets tightly sealed onto the wheel).
F: LOAD INDEX The two-digit or three-digit number that follows the gap specifies tire load index. The load index symbol indicates how much weight a tire can support, based on the following standard chart. In our example, the load index is 89, which indicates the tire has a load capacity of 1,279 pounds, when inflated to the tire’s maximum air pressure rating.
G: SPEED RATING The last letter is the tire speed rating. This indicates the top speed it’s safe to travel at for a sustained amount of time. A tire with a higher speed rating can handle heat better and provide more control at faster speeds.
The maximum operating speed of a vehicle is no more than the lowest speed rating of all tires mounted on the vehicle. (Of course, you should always abide by speed limits for safer driving.) Speed rating is usually, but not always, a single letter (see the chart).
Below you will find several charts that will help you understand tire sizing numbers, including a load index chart and speed rating chart.
A tire size calculator is a quick way to see whether the tire size you’re considering will likely fit your car, SUV, sports car, light truck or crossover.
But remember that is only an estimate. It’s important to stay within the sizing tolerances of your vehicle. Tires that are the wrong size could cause some pull in the steering wheel, rub against the suspension or body of your vehicle, reduce clearance on hills, or result in a stiffer or noisier ride.
If you’re considering mounting a different tire size on your vehicle, check with a tire expert.
Find out whether the tires and wheels you have your eye on are the right fit for your vehicle’s suspension, gearing, and bodywork. And ask how any differences in revolutions per mile, tire speed, load index, and speed rating will affect your ride quality and vehicle performance.
See how new tires and rims will look on your car or truck using our Virtual Wheels simulator, available at any Les Schwab.
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For example: you have a 175/70 R13 wheel on your car. Using this table, we determine the profile height of your tire 175 by 70, we get 12.2 cm. If you want to put the tire wider and leave the wheel height the same, then select a value close to 12.2 from the table.
We get the size 205/60 R13. If you want to increase the size of the disk, leaving the wheel height the same, the following calculations are necessary: 175/70 R13 the profile of this wheel according to the table is 12.
2 cm, multiply it by 2 because. wheel height consists of two profile values 12.2x2=24.4 cm. Next, add the size of the disc, R13 is 13 inches, convert to cm. 13x2.54=33cm. Then add the two values 24.4+33=57.4cm. this is the full height of the wheel. Now, having done some simple calculations, you will understand that you can put 195/50 R15 or 185/60 R14, for these sizes, the wheel height is about the same - 57cm. But we should not forget that with an increase in the width of the tire, it is desirable to increase the width of the disk. Usually, the standard wheel height on the machine can be increased by 1, maximum 2 sizes. Before you change the dimension of the wheel, you can always consult with our highly experienced specialists. In some cases, the car has regular wheels of the same radius, but different widths, and the height of the wheels must be the same. (BMW 7 SERIES front 235/50 R 18, rear 255/45 R18). For all these calculations, this table was created.
| shk | 155 | 165 | 175 | 185 | 195 | 205 | 215 | 225 | 235 | 245 | 255 | 265 | 275 | 285 | 295 | 305 | 315 | 325 |
| vp | ||||||||||||||||||
| 30 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 9.1 | 9.4 | 9.7 | ||||||||||
| 35 | 8. 2 | 8.6 | 8.9 | 9.3 | 9.6 | 10 | 10.3 | 10.7 | 11 | 11.4 | ||||||||
| 40 | 8.2 | 8.6 | 9 | 9.4 | 9.8 | 10.2 | 10.6 | 11 | 11.4 | 11.8 | 12.2 | 12.6 | 13 | |||||
| 45 | 8.8 | 9.2 | 9.7 | 10.1 | 10.6 | 11 | 11.5 | 11.9 | 12.4 | 12.8 | 13.3 | 13.7 | 14.2 | 14.6 | ||||
| 50 | 9.8 | 10.2 | 10.7 | 11.2 | 11.7 | 12.2 | 12.7 | 13. 2 | 13.7 | 14.2 | 14.7 | 15.2 | 15.7 | 16.2 | ||||
| 55 | 10.2 | 10.7 | 11.3 | 11.8 | 12.4 | 12.9 | 13.5 | 14 | 14.6 | 15.1 | 15.7 | 16.2 | 16.8 | 17.3 | 17.9 | |||
| 60 | 10.5 | 11.1 | 11.7 | 12.3 | 12.9 | 13.5 | 14.1 | 14.7 | 15.3 | 15.9 | 16.5 | 17.1 | 17.7 | 18.3 | 18.9 | 19.5 | ||
| 65 | 10 | 10.7 | 11.4 | 12.6 | 12.8 | 13.3 | 14 | 14.6 | 15.3 | 15.9 | 16. 6 | 17.2 | 17.9 | 18.5 | 19.1 | 19.8 | 20.5 | 21.1 |
| 70 | 10.8 | 11.5 | 12.2 | 12.9 | 13.6 | 14.3 | 15 | 15.7 | 16.4 | 17.1 | 17.8 | 18.5 | 19.2 | 19.9 | 20.6 | 21.3 | 22 | 22.7 |
| 75 | 11.6 | 12.4 | 13.1 | 13.9 | 14.6 | 15.4 | 16.1 | 16.8 | 17.6 | 18.4 | 19.1 | 19.9 | 20.6 | 21.4 | ||||
| 82 | 12.7 | 13.5 | 14.3 | 15.2 | 16 | 16.8 | 17.6 | 18.4 | 19.3 | 20 | 20. 1 | 21.7 | 22.5 |
sh - wheel width, vp - profile height
| load index | tire load, kg | load index | tire load, kg | load index | tire load, kg |
| 62 | 265 | 88 | 560 | 114 | 1180 |
| 63 | 272 | 89 | 580 | 115 | 1215 |
| 64 | 280 | 90 | 600 | 116 | 1250 |
| 65 | 290 | 91 | 615 | 117 | 1285 |
| 66 | 300 | 92 | 630 | 118 | 1320 |
| 67 | 307 | 93 | 650 | 119 | 1360 |
| 68 | 315 | 94 | 670 | 120 | 1400 |
| 69 | 325 | 95 | 690 | 121 | 1450 |
| 70 | 335 | 96 | 710 | 122 | 1500 |
| 71 | 345 | 97 | 730 | 123 | 1550 |
| 72 | 355 | 98 | 750 | 124 | 1600 |
| 73 | 365 | 99 | 775 | 125 | 1650 |
| 74 | 375 | 100 | 800 | 126 | 1700 |
| 75 | 387 | 101 | 825 | ||
| 76 | 400 | 102 | 850 | ||
| 77 | 412 | 103 | 875 | ||
| 78 | 425 | 104 | 900 | ||
| 79 | 437 | 105 | 925 | ||
| 80 | 450 | 106 | 950 | ||
| 81 | 462 | 107 | 975 | ||
| 82 | 475 | 108 | 1000 | ||
| 83 | 487 | 109 | 1030 | ||
| 84 | 500 | 110 | 1060 | ||
| 85 | 515 | 111 | 1090 | ||
| 86 | 530 | 112 | 1120 | ||
| 87 | 545 | 113 | 1150 |
| speed index | speed, km/h | speed index | speed, km/h |
| J | to 100 | S | to 180 |
| K | to 110 | T | to 190 |
| L | to 120 | H | to 210 |
| M | to 130 | V | to 240 |
| N | to 140 | W | to 270 |
| R | to 150 | Y | to 300 |
| Q | to 160 | VR | over 210 |
| R | to 170 | ZR | over 240 |
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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195/65 R15 91 T XL
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 consider when choosing rubber that if you instead of size 195/65 R15, if you want to put tires with a size of 205/65 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.
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.
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 (corresponds 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 tire models 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.
XL or Extra Load is a reinforced tire with a load index that is 3 points higher than 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 on which you can continue to drive a car at a speed of no more than 80 km / h with a FULL loss of 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 The temperature resistance of the tire at high speeds on the test bench (A is best).
