The sequence of characters on the sidewall of a tyre is its size, e.g. 185/55 R16, where the first number is the cross section width measured between the sides of a tyre in millimetres.
The second number in tyre size is the height of profile (aspect ratio), i.e. a percentage to tyre width, e.g. 55 is 55% of 205, i.e. 112.75 mm. ”R” indicates the tyre type (R - radial, D - diagonal).
The last number denotes the width of a rim in inches. Knowing the tyre size is essential when making the purchase.