Tire Size Box

185/75R14 vs 205/75R14

205/75R14 compared with 185/75R14

+4.7% diameter, +0.8" width

205/75R14 is 26.11" tall vs 24.93". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.9"14" rim5.5"7.3" wide
185/75R14 (solid) compared with 205/75R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/75R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.8 mph

205/75R14 is +1.18 inches (+4.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/75R14205/75R14Difference%
Overall diameter24.93"26.11"+1.18"+4.7%
Section width7.28"8.07"+0.79"+10.8%
Sidewall height5.46"6.05"+0.59"+10.8%
Circumference78.30"82.02"+3.71"+4.7%
Revolutions per mile809.1772.5−36.6−4.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/75R14 and you fit 205/75R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.9 mph+0.9 mph
30 mph31.4 mph+1.4 mph
40 mph41.9 mph+1.9 mph
50 mph52.4 mph+2.4 mph
60 mph62.8 mph+2.8 mph
65 mph68.1 mph+3.1 mph
70 mph73.3 mph+3.3 mph
75 mph78.6 mph+3.6 mph
80 mph83.8 mph+3.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/75R14 or 205/75R14?
205/75R14 is taller by 1.18 inches (26.11" vs 24.93"). 205/75R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 185/75R14 with 205/75R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.7%, 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 205/75R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/75R14 fitted (calibrated for 185/75R14), your real speed is 62.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.7%.
Will 205/75R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.59 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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