What does the aspect ratio of 60 in P225/60R16 indicate?

The aspect ratio of 60 in the tire specification P225/60R16 indicates the sidewall height as a percentage of the tire's width. Specifically, the aspect ratio is a numerical representation that reflects the height of the tire's sidewall in relation to its width. In this case, the sidewall height is 60% of the tire's width of 225 millimeters.

This means that if the tire is 225 mm wide, the sidewall height would be calculated as 60% of that width, providing an essential dimension of the tire that influences handling characteristics, ride quality, and overall appearance. A higher aspect ratio typically results in a taller sidewall, which may yield a softer ride, while a lower aspect ratio tends to produce a sportier handling profile with a shorter sidewall. Understanding aspect ratios is fundamental for selecting the appropriate tires for different driving conditions and performance needs.