Tire Size Box

185/75R16 vs 205/75R16

205/75R16 compared with 185/75R16

+4.4% diameter, +0.8" width

205/75R16 is 28.11" tall vs 26.93". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.9"16" rim5.5"7.3" wide
185/75R16 (solid) compared with 205/75R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/75R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.6 mph

205/75R16 is +1.18 inches (+4.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/75R16205/75R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.93"28.11"+1.18"+4.4%
Section width7.28"8.07"+0.79"+10.8%
Sidewall height5.46"6.05"+0.59"+10.8%
Circumference84.59"88.30"+3.71"+4.4%
Revolutions per mile749.0717.6−31.5−4.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/75R16 and you fit 205/75R16, 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 mph41.8 mph+1.8 mph
50 mph52.2 mph+2.2 mph
60 mph62.6 mph+2.6 mph
65 mph67.9 mph+2.9 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, 185/75R16 or 205/75R16?
205/75R16 is taller by 1.18 inches (28.11" vs 26.93"). 205/75R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 185/75R16 with 205/75R16?
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 205/75R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/75R16 fitted (calibrated for 185/75R16), your real speed is 62.6 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.4%.
Will 205/75R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.59 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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