Tire Size Box

185/65R14 vs 205/65R14

205/65R14 compared with 185/65R14

+4.4% diameter, +0.8" width

205/65R14 is 24.49" tall vs 23.47". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.5"14" rim4.7"7.3" wide
185/65R14 (solid) compared with 205/65R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/65R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.6 mph

205/65R14 is +1.02 inches (+4.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/65R14205/65R14Difference%
Overall diameter23.47"24.49"+1.02"+4.4%
Section width7.28"8.07"+0.79"+10.8%
Sidewall height4.73"5.25"+0.51"+10.8%
Circumference73.73"76.94"+3.22"+4.4%
Revolutions per mile859.4823.5−35.9−4.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/65R14 and you fit 205/65R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.9 mph+0.9 mph
30 mph31.3 mph+1.3 mph
40 mph41.7 mph+1.7 mph
50 mph52.2 mph+2.2 mph
60 mph62.6 mph+2.6 mph
65 mph67.8 mph+2.8 mph
70 mph73.1 mph+3.1 mph
75 mph78.3 mph+3.3 mph
80 mph83.5 mph+3.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/65R14 or 205/65R14?
205/65R14 is taller by 1.02 inches (24.49" vs 23.47"). 205/65R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 185/65R14 with 205/65R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.4%, 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 205/65R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/65R14 fitted (calibrated for 185/65R14), your real speed is 62.6 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.4%.
Will 205/65R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.51 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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