Sidewall to Metric Car Tyres Tyres Size Chart
This chart converts tyre sizes from sidewall to metric, covering 50 common tyre sizes. The table below shows the exact metric for each sidewall measurement, helping you compare tyres across different notation systems.
Understanding both metric and imperial tyre measurements is important when shopping for replacements, especially if you are comparing tyres from different manufacturers or regions. Our chart covers standard passenger-car tyre sizes that you will find at most tyre retailers.
Quick Converter
| Sidewall | Metric |
|---|---|
| 4.0" | 155/65R14 |
| 4.2" | 165/65R14 |
| 4.5" | 175/65R14 |
| 4.7" | 185/65R14 |
| 4.5" | 175/65R15 |
| 4.7" | 185/65R15 |
| 5.0" | 195/65R15 |
| 5.3" | 205/65R15 |
| 4.0" | 185/55R15 |
| 4.2" | 195/55R15 |
| 4.4" | 185/60R15 |
| 4.6" | 195/60R15 |
| 4.4" | 205/55R16 |
| 4.7" | 215/55R16 |
| 4.9" | 225/55R16 |
| 4.8" | 205/60R16 |
| 5.1" | 215/60R16 |
| 5.3" | 225/60R16 |
| 3.8" | 215/45R17 |
| 4.0" | 225/45R17 |
| 4.2" | 235/45R17 |
| 4.3" | 245/45R17 |
| 4.2" | 215/50R17 |
| 4.4" | 225/50R17 |
| 4.7" | 215/55R17 |
| 4.9" | 225/55R17 |
| 5.1" | 235/55R17 |
| 3.5" | 225/40R18 |
| 3.7" | 235/40R18 |
| 3.9" | 245/40R18 |
| 4.0" | 255/40R18 |
| 4.0" | 225/45R18 |
| 4.2" | 235/45R18 |
| 4.3" | 245/45R18 |
| 4.6" | 235/50R18 |
| 5.1" | 235/55R18 |
| 3.2" | 235/35R19 |
| 3.4" | 245/35R19 |
| 3.5" | 255/35R19 |
| 3.9" | 245/40R19 |
| 4.0" | 255/40R19 |
| 4.3" | 245/45R19 |
| 4.5" | 255/45R19 |
| 3.4" | 245/35R20 |
| 3.5" | 255/35R20 |
| 3.8" | 275/35R20 |
| 3.9" | 245/40R20 |
| 4.0" | 255/40R20 |
| 4.3" | 275/40R20 |
| 4.5" | 255/45R20 |
How to Measure Your Tyres Size
Find your current tyre size on the sidewall of your tyre — it looks like 205/55R16. The first number (205) is the width in millimetres, the second (55) is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), and the number after R (16) is the rim diameter in inches. You will need these three numbers to convert between metric notation and inch-based measurements.
Tips for Converting Car Tyres Tyres Sizes
Never change tyre size without consulting your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. An incorrect size can affect handling, braking distance, and speedometer accuracy.
The aspect ratio (second number in metric notation) is a percentage of the tyre width. A 205/55R16 has a sidewall height of 55% of 205 mm = 112.75 mm.
Plus-sizing (fitting wider tyres on larger rims) is popular for appearance but can change ride quality. Keep the overall diameter within 3% of the original to maintain speedometer accuracy.
Quick Reference
Quick reference: a 4.0" tyre has a metric of 155/65R14, a 4.9" has a metric of 225/55R17, and a 4.5" has a metric of 255/45R20. See the full chart above for all 50 sizes.
This car tyres data is also available in Diameter, Width sizing. Use the converter tool above to switch between any pair of systems instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I read the sidewall tyre size notation?
- A metric tyre size like 4.9" has three parts: the first number is the width in millimetres, the second number (after the slash) is the aspect ratio as a percentage of the width, and the number after R is the rim diameter in inches. For example, 4.9" has a metric of 225/55R17.
- Can I use a different tyre size than recommended?
- You should stick to sizes recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Different sizes affect speedometer accuracy, braking distance, handling, and fuel economy. If you want to change sizes, consult a tyre specialist and keep the overall diameter within 3% of the original.
- What is the metric of a 4.9" tyre?
- A 4.9" tyre has a metric of 225/55R17. You can find the metric for any of the 50 tyre sizes in our chart above.
- Where do I find my current tyre size?
- Your tyre size is printed on the sidewall of each tyre. You can also find the manufacturer-recommended size on the placard inside the driver's door jamb, in your owner's manual, or sometimes inside the fuel filler door.
- What does the R in tyre sizes mean?
- The R stands for Radial, which describes the internal construction of the tyre. Nearly all modern passenger-car tyres are radial. You may occasionally see D (diagonal/bias-ply) on trailer or vintage tyres.
- How many tyre sizes does this chart cover?
- This chart covers 50 common passenger-car tyre sizes, from 4.0" to 4.5", converting each from sidewall to metric.