Tire Size Box

205/55R16 vs 225/55R16

225/55R16 compared with 205/55R16

+3.5% diameter, +0.8" width

225/55R16 is 25.74" tall vs 24.88". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.9"16" rim4.4"8.1" wide
205/55R16 (solid) compared with 225/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.1 mph

225/55R16 is +0.87 inches (+3.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/55R16225/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.88"25.74"+0.87"+3.5%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height4.44"4.87"+0.43"+9.8%
Circumference78.16"80.88"+2.72"+3.5%
Revolutions per mile810.7783.4−27.3−3.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/55R16 and you fit 225/55R16, 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 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.1 mph+2.1 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.6 mph+2.6 mph
80 mph82.8 mph+2.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/55R16 or 225/55R16?
225/55R16 is taller by 0.87 inches (25.74" vs 24.88"). 225/55R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/55R16 with 225/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.5%, 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 225/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 205/55R16), your real speed is 62.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.5%.
Will 225/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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