The requirement to convert metric tire size measurements to inches to understand the overall diameter of a tire is always necessary, whether you are to restore your classic vehicle or turn your SUV into an off-road machine.
With the help of a tire size calculator, the process of tire conversion metric to inches and vice versa gets very easy.
The size of a tire is designated by a sequence of numbers and letters branded into the sidewalls of the tires. These include all the relevant information about the tires, their intended purpose, class, dimension, and maximum speed capability. Converting the metric measurements to inches and vice versa are associated with these dimensions.
Converting a tire size from metric to inches
The equations that are required to figure out the correct replacement of a metric tire with that of an inch-based tire can be a little hefty.
In order to convert the tire size that has been measured by using the metric notation to inches, you will need to use a few formulas. It is worth noting that the metric tire size has a section width that is in millimeters, aspect ratio, as well, as the rim's diameter that is in inches. An inch tire size means that the tire diameter, section diameter, and rim diameter are in inches.
It would help if you did a few things to convert from metric to inch sizes. The first step is converting the section width from millimeters to inches. You can do this by dividing the number by 25.4 or going for the conversion calculator.
In the next step, you have to find the tire's diameter in inches, which can be done by using the following formulas.
Sidewall = the section width x (60 ÷ 100)
Diameter = (2 x sidewall) + diameter of the rim
Converting a tire size from inches to metric
If you want to convert the tire size from inches to metric, you need to reverse a few steps used in converting metric to inches. You can begin by converting the section width from inches to millimeters, and instead of dividing, you need to multiply it by 25.4. It is worth noting that you always have the option of using a conversion calculator.
In the next step, you need to solve the aspect ratio with the help of the following formulas.
Sidewall = (Diameter of tire - Diameter of Rim) ÷ 2
Aspect ratio = Sidewall ÷ section width x 100
Final Words
There is no doubt that metric tire conversion can rather be complicated, so with the inch tire sizes, the height is the first number, whereas the width comes on second.
When we talk about metric sizes, the width becomes the first number, and the width percentage the second. Then you will have to add two sidewalls and the diameter of the rim for getting the total height of the tire.
So, for tire conversion metric to inches and vice versa, you can use the calculator or browse the tires of the vehicle and select different options.
Reviewed by Alex Ross
Content Editor, responsible for maintaining the quality and accuracy of the information presented on our blog.
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