Converting Euro-Metric and P-Metric Tire Sizes

When you shop for tires, or even if you are in the auto parts store for something other than tires, you’ve likely seen tire ads with specs listed on them. A handful of numbers, letters, and facts are listed like speed rating, quality rating (UTQG), size, style, load range, and so on. You might even see a p-metric or euro-metric. Here's what they mean.

What’s the difference?

The tire size 215/60R16 is a euro-metric size, and P215/60R16 is a P-metric size. So what’s the difference? They both have the same measurement. The tire is identical in physical dimensions, however their composition can be different in many cases.

Euro-metric tire ratings began in the 60’s. It’s a simple way of measuring a tire in millimeters, and a straightforward calculation shows the aspect ratio, or height, of the tire compared to the width. Because different vehicles have different load requirements, automotive manufacturers would have tires developed to match their needs. Over time, several combinations of load capabilities and sizes emerged to fit those needs. A broadly used system was needed to create uniform sizing.

The P-metric system began in the 1970’s in the US. It rates a tire according to its load-carrying abilities, physical size, and its tire pressure capacity. P-metric tires are used for passenger-carrying vehicles such as cars, vans, and small trucks. It uses a formula for the load rating, so all auto manufacturers are able to engineer vehicles around a specific tire size or ability.


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

Symptoms of Bad or Failing Suspension Springs
Common signs include the vehicle tilting to one side, uneven tire wear, bouncing while driving, and bottoming out.
How To Replace a Tire Valve Stem
Tire Tire valve stems are the valves located in a vehicle’s wheel where the tires are inflated from. They contain a spring loaded valve core that seals itself using the air pressure inside of the tire. Over time valve stems...
5 Signs Your Car Needs An Alignment
Vehicle pull, loose steering, abnormal tire wear, and an off-center or not returning to center steering wheel are all signs you need an alignment.

Related questions

Steering doesn’t work very well, bad on the highway
Before giving any diagnosis, I would first suggest that you have you car checked out as soon as possible since this could be a safety concern. If you feel it is unsafe to drive, YourMechanic can come to your home...
Is there a model number, etc. on my car tire that can help me find its speed rating and load index (service description)?
Your tires are an essential part of your vehicle. They can affect it in so many different ways. Not only are they a component that we can expect to spend money on over time, but they also have a huge...
Squealing and clicking noise from back part of the car but only when moving forward
Hello, thank you for writing in. The first step is to definitively determine if the noise happens when the vehicle is moving (and it is brake or wheel related), or if the noise happens constantly when the vehicle is running....

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com