Tire Size Box

205/55R14 vs 205/65R14

205/65R14 compared with 205/55R14

+7.1% diameter, 0.0" width

205/65R14 is 24.49" tall vs 22.88". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.9"14" rim4.4"8.1" wide
205/55R14 (solid) compared with 205/65R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/65R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.2 mph

205/65R14 is +1.61 inches (+7.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/55R14205/65R14Difference%
Overall diameter22.88"24.49"+1.61"+7.1%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.44"5.25"+0.81"+18.2%
Circumference71.87"76.94"+5.07"+7.1%
Revolutions per mile881.6823.5−58.1−6.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/55R14 and you fit 205/65R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.4 mph+1.4 mph
30 mph32.1 mph+2.1 mph
40 mph42.8 mph+2.8 mph
50 mph53.5 mph+3.5 mph
60 mph64.2 mph+4.2 mph
65 mph69.6 mph+4.6 mph
70 mph74.9 mph+4.9 mph
75 mph80.3 mph+5.3 mph
80 mph85.6 mph+5.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/55R14 or 205/65R14?
205/65R14 is taller by 1.61 inches (24.49" vs 22.88"). 205/55R14 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/55R14 with 205/65R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.1%, 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 205/65R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/65R14 fitted (calibrated for 205/55R14), your real speed is 64.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.1%.
Will 205/65R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.81 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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