How To Read Tire Sizes

Tires come in a variety of sizes and the numbers and text on the sidewall provide important information to consumers. The text can include the manufacturer’s name and tire model; numbers usually designate the width of the tire, the diameter of the rim and the height of the tire. Other letters might designate the type of tread.

1) Look at the sidewall of the flat tire or the sidewall of the aired up tire on the other side of the lawn tractor. The sidewall of tires list the required tire psi (pounds per square inch air pressure), the tire brand and model number. Wipe the sidewalls with a moist rag to more easily see the model number.
2) Read the numbers on the sidewall. There are either two number or three number tire size systems.Two Number: The first number is the width of the tire and the second number is the diameter of the rim. For example, on a lawn tractor sidewall it will read: 6.5-14 (18 P.S.I.), which means it is a tire with a 6.5-inch tire width and 14-inch rim diameter. For Three number tires the first number is the height of the tire, the second number is the width of the tire and the third number is the diameter of the rim. For example, on a lawn tractor sidewall it will read: 20/10-8 (18 P.S.I.), which means it is a tire with a 20-inch height, 10-inch tire width and 8-inch rim diameter.

3) Measure the rough dimensions of the good tire on the lawn tractor if you can’t read the sidewall numbers. Measure the rim diameter, height of the tire from the ground to the top edge of the tire and the width of the tire. Take these measurements to your local mower repair shop, and purchase a tire close to this size. Tell the clerk your lawn mower model number to see if he can get the exact tire size in an owner’s manual the store may have for your type of mower.

You can click here to chat live with us online and we can help find tires tubes and accessories as well.

Or visit our tire section to find a tire for your needs.