Tire Size Box

205/55R17 vs 205/60R17

205/60R17 compared with 205/55R17

+3.1% diameter, 0.0" width

205/60R17 is 26.69" tall vs 25.88". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.9"17" rim4.4"8.1" wide
205/55R17 (solid) compared with 205/60R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/60R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

205/60R17 is +0.81 inches (+3.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/55R17205/60R17Difference%
Overall diameter25.88"26.69"+0.81"+3.1%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.44"4.84"+0.40"+9.1%
Circumference81.30"83.83"+2.54"+3.1%
Revolutions per mile779.4755.8−23.6−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/55R17 and you fit 205/60R17, 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 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.2 mph+2.2 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/55R17 or 205/60R17?
205/60R17 is taller by 0.81 inches (26.69" vs 25.88"). 205/55R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/55R17 with 205/60R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.1%, 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 205/60R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/60R17 fitted (calibrated for 205/55R17), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.1%.
Will 205/60R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.40 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons