Tire Size Box

205/60R15 vs 225/60R15

225/60R15 compared with 205/60R15

+3.8% diameter, +0.8" width

225/60R15 is 25.63" tall vs 24.69". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.7"15" rim4.8"8.1" wide
205/60R15 (solid) compared with 225/60R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/60R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.3 mph

225/60R15 is +0.94 inches (+3.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/60R15225/60R15Difference%
Overall diameter24.69"25.63"+0.94"+3.8%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height4.84"5.31"+0.47"+9.8%
Circumference77.55"80.52"+2.97"+3.8%
Revolutions per mile817.0786.9−30.1−3.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/60R15 and you fit 225/60R15, 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 mph77.9 mph+2.9 mph
80 mph83.1 mph+3.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/60R15 or 225/60R15?
225/60R15 is taller by 0.94 inches (25.63" vs 24.69"). 225/60R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/60R15 with 225/60R15?
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 225/60R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/60R15 fitted (calibrated for 205/60R15), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.8%.
Will 225/60R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.47 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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