Tire Size Box

205/45R16 vs 225/45R16

225/45R16 compared with 205/45R16

+3.0% diameter, +0.8" width

225/45R16 is 23.97" tall vs 23.26". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.3"16" rim3.6"8.1" wide
205/45R16 (solid) compared with 225/45R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/45R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

225/45R16 is +0.71 inches (+3.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/45R16225/45R16Difference%
Overall diameter23.26"23.97"+0.71"+3.0%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height3.63"3.99"+0.35"+9.8%
Circumference73.09"75.31"+2.23"+3.0%
Revolutions per mile866.9841.3−25.6−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/45R16 and you fit 225/45R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph30.9 mph+0.9 mph
40 mph41.2 mph+1.2 mph
50 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.8 mph+1.8 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.4 mph+2.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/45R16 or 225/45R16?
225/45R16 is taller by 0.71 inches (23.97" vs 23.26"). 225/45R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/45R16 with 225/45R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.0%, 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 225/45R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/45R16 fitted (calibrated for 205/45R16), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.0%.
Will 225/45R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.35 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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