Tire Size Box

185/55R14 vs 205/55R14

205/55R14 compared with 185/55R14

+3.9% diameter, +0.8" width

205/55R14 is 22.88" tall vs 22.01". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.0"14" rim4.0"7.3" wide
185/55R14 (solid) compared with 205/55R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/55R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.4 mph

205/55R14 is +0.87 inches (+3.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/55R14205/55R14Difference%
Overall diameter22.01"22.88"+0.87"+3.9%
Section width7.28"8.07"+0.79"+10.8%
Sidewall height4.01"4.44"+0.43"+10.8%
Circumference69.15"71.87"+2.72"+3.9%
Revolutions per mile916.2881.6−34.7−3.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/55R14 and you fit 205/55R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.2 mph+1.2 mph
40 mph41.6 mph+1.6 mph
50 mph52.0 mph+2.0 mph
60 mph62.4 mph+2.4 mph
65 mph67.6 mph+2.6 mph
70 mph72.8 mph+2.8 mph
75 mph78.0 mph+3.0 mph
80 mph83.1 mph+3.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/55R14 or 205/55R14?
205/55R14 is taller by 0.87 inches (22.88" vs 22.01"). 205/55R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 185/55R14 with 205/55R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.9%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 205/55R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/55R14 fitted (calibrated for 185/55R14), your real speed is 62.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.9%.
Will 205/55R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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