Tire Size Box

205/60R16 vs 225/60R16

225/60R16 compared with 205/60R16

+3.7% diameter, +0.8" width

225/60R16 is 26.63" tall vs 25.69". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.7"16" rim4.8"8.1" wide
205/60R16 (solid) compared with 225/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

62.2 mph

225/60R16 is +0.94 inches (+3.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/60R16225/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter25.69"26.63"+0.94"+3.7%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height4.84"5.31"+0.47"+9.8%
Circumference80.69"83.66"+2.97"+3.7%
Revolutions per mile785.2757.3−27.9−3.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/60R16 and you fit 225/60R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.8 mph+1.8 mph
60 mph62.2 mph+2.2 mph
65 mph67.4 mph+2.4 mph
70 mph72.6 mph+2.6 mph
75 mph77.8 mph+2.8 mph
80 mph82.9 mph+2.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/60R16 or 225/60R16?
225/60R16 is taller by 0.94 inches (26.63" vs 25.69"). 225/60R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/60R16 with 225/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.7%, 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 225/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 205/60R16), your real speed is 62.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.7%.
Will 225/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.47 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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