Tire Size Box

205/50R16 vs 225/50R16

225/50R16 compared with 205/50R16

+3.3% diameter, +0.8" width

225/50R16 is 24.86" tall vs 24.07". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.1"16" rim4.0"8.1" wide
205/50R16 (solid) compared with 225/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/50R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

225/50R16 is +0.79 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/50R16225/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.07"24.86"+0.79"+3.3%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height4.04"4.43"+0.39"+9.8%
Circumference75.62"78.09"+2.47"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile837.9811.3−26.5−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/50R16 and you fit 225/50R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/50R16 or 225/50R16?
225/50R16 is taller by 0.79 inches (24.86" vs 24.07"). 225/50R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/50R16 with 225/50R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.3%, 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 225/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 205/50R16), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 225/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.39 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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