Tire Size Box

185/60R17 vs 205/60R17

205/60R17 compared with 185/60R17

+3.7% diameter, +0.8" width

205/60R17 is 26.69" tall vs 25.74". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.7"17" rim4.4"7.3" wide
185/60R17 (solid) compared with 205/60R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/60R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.2 mph

205/60R17 is +0.94 inches (+3.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/60R17205/60R17Difference%
Overall diameter25.74"26.69"+0.94"+3.7%
Section width7.28"8.07"+0.79"+10.8%
Sidewall height4.37"4.84"+0.47"+10.8%
Circumference80.87"83.83"+2.97"+3.7%
Revolutions per mile783.5755.8−27.7−3.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/60R17 and you fit 205/60R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.8 mph+1.8 mph
60 mph62.2 mph+2.2 mph
65 mph67.4 mph+2.4 mph
70 mph72.6 mph+2.6 mph
75 mph77.8 mph+2.8 mph
80 mph82.9 mph+2.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/60R17 or 205/60R17?
205/60R17 is taller by 0.94 inches (26.69" vs 25.74"). 205/60R17 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 185/60R17 with 205/60R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.7%, 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 205/60R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/60R17 fitted (calibrated for 185/60R17), your real speed is 62.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.7%.
Will 205/60R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.47 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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