Tire Size Box

205/55R14 vs 225/55R14

225/55R14 compared with 205/55R14

+3.8% diameter, +0.8" width

225/55R14 is 23.74" 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 225/55R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/55R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.3 mph

225/55R14 is +0.87 inches (+3.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/55R14225/55R14Difference%
Overall diameter22.88"23.74"+0.87"+3.8%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height4.44"4.87"+0.43"+9.8%
Circumference71.87"74.59"+2.72"+3.8%
Revolutions per mile881.6849.4−32.2−3.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/55R14 and you fit 225/55R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.9 mph+1.9 mph
60 mph62.3 mph+2.3 mph
65 mph67.5 mph+2.5 mph
70 mph72.7 mph+2.7 mph
75 mph77.8 mph+2.8 mph
80 mph83.0 mph+3.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/55R14 or 225/55R14?
225/55R14 is taller by 0.87 inches (23.74" vs 22.88"). 225/55R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/55R14 with 225/55R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.8%, 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 225/55R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/55R14 fitted (calibrated for 205/55R14), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.8%.
Will 225/55R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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