Tire Size Box

185/85R14 vs 205/85R14

205/85R14 compared with 185/85R14

+5.1% diameter, +0.8" width

205/85R14 is 27.72" tall vs 26.38". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.4"14" rim6.2"7.3" wide
185/85R14 (solid) compared with 205/85R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/85R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.0 mph

205/85R14 is +1.34 inches (+5.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/85R14205/85R14Difference%
Overall diameter26.38"27.72"+1.34"+5.1%
Section width7.28"8.07"+0.79"+10.8%
Sidewall height6.19"6.86"+0.67"+10.8%
Circumference82.88"87.09"+4.21"+5.1%
Revolutions per mile764.5727.6−36.9−4.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/85R14 and you fit 205/85R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.0 mph+1.0 mph
30 mph31.5 mph+1.5 mph
40 mph42.0 mph+2.0 mph
50 mph52.5 mph+2.5 mph
60 mph63.0 mph+3.0 mph
65 mph68.3 mph+3.3 mph
70 mph73.6 mph+3.6 mph
75 mph78.8 mph+3.8 mph
80 mph84.1 mph+4.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/85R14 or 205/85R14?
205/85R14 is taller by 1.34 inches (27.72" vs 26.38"). 205/85R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 185/85R14 with 205/85R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +5.1%, 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 205/85R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/85R14 fitted (calibrated for 185/85R14), your real speed is 63.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 5.1%.
Will 205/85R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.67 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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