Tire Size Box

185/60R14 vs 205/60R14

205/60R14 compared with 185/60R14

+4.2% diameter, +0.8" width

205/60R14 is 23.69" tall vs 22.74". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.7"14" rim4.4"7.3" wide
185/60R14 (solid) compared with 205/60R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

62.5 mph

205/60R14 is +0.94 inches (+4.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/60R14205/60R14Difference%
Overall diameter22.74"23.69"+0.94"+4.2%
Section width7.28"8.07"+0.79"+10.8%
Sidewall height4.37"4.84"+0.47"+10.8%
Circumference71.44"74.41"+2.97"+4.2%
Revolutions per mile886.9851.5−35.4−4.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/60R14 and you fit 205/60R14, 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 mph41.7 mph+1.7 mph
50 mph52.1 mph+2.1 mph
60 mph62.5 mph+2.5 mph
65 mph67.7 mph+2.7 mph
70 mph72.9 mph+2.9 mph
75 mph78.1 mph+3.1 mph
80 mph83.3 mph+3.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/60R14 or 205/60R14?
205/60R14 is taller by 0.94 inches (23.69" vs 22.74"). 205/60R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 185/60R14 with 205/60R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.2%, 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 205/60R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/60R14 fitted (calibrated for 185/60R14), your real speed is 62.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.2%.
Will 205/60R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.47 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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