Tire Size Box

195/55R17 vs 195/65R17

195/65R17 compared with 195/55R17

+6.0% diameter, 0.0" width

195/65R17 is 26.98" tall vs 25.44". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.4"17" rim4.2"7.7" wide
195/55R17 (solid) compared with 195/65R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 195/65R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.6 mph

195/65R17 is +1.54 inches (+6.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/55R17195/65R17Difference%
Overall diameter25.44"26.98"+1.54"+6.0%
Section width7.68"7.68"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.22"4.99"+0.77"+18.2%
Circumference79.94"84.76"+4.82"+6.0%
Revolutions per mile792.6747.5−45.1−5.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/55R17 and you fit 195/65R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.2 mph+1.2 mph
30 mph31.8 mph+1.8 mph
40 mph42.4 mph+2.4 mph
50 mph53.0 mph+3.0 mph
60 mph63.6 mph+3.6 mph
65 mph68.9 mph+3.9 mph
70 mph74.2 mph+4.2 mph
75 mph79.5 mph+4.5 mph
80 mph84.8 mph+4.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/55R17 or 195/65R17?
195/65R17 is taller by 1.54 inches (26.98" vs 25.44"). 195/55R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 195/55R17 with 195/65R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.0%, 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 195/65R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 195/65R17 fitted (calibrated for 195/55R17), your real speed is 63.6 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.0%.
Will 195/65R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.77 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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