Tire Size Box

205/55R17 vs 225/55R17

225/55R17 compared with 205/55R17

+3.3% diameter, +0.8" width

225/55R17 is 26.74" 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 225/55R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/55R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

225/55R17 is +0.87 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/55R17225/55R17Difference%
Overall diameter25.88"26.74"+0.87"+3.3%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height4.44"4.87"+0.43"+9.8%
Circumference81.30"84.02"+2.72"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile779.4754.1−25.2−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/55R17 and you fit 225/55R17, 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 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.7 mph+2.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/55R17 or 225/55R17?
225/55R17 is taller by 0.87 inches (26.74" vs 25.88"). 225/55R17 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/55R17 with 225/55R17?
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 225/55R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/55R17 fitted (calibrated for 205/55R17), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 225/55R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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