Tire Size Box

205/60R17 vs 205/65R17

205/65R17 compared with 205/60R17

+3.0% diameter, 0.0" width

205/65R17 is 27.49" tall vs 26.69". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.7"17" rim4.8"8.1" wide
205/60R17 (solid) compared with 205/65R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/65R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

205/65R17 is +0.81 inches (+3.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/60R17205/65R17Difference%
Overall diameter26.69"27.49"+0.81"+3.0%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.84"5.25"+0.40"+8.3%
Circumference83.83"86.37"+2.54"+3.0%
Revolutions per mile755.8733.6−22.2−2.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/60R17 and you fit 205/65R17, 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 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.8 mph+1.8 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.4 mph+2.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/60R17 or 205/65R17?
205/65R17 is taller by 0.81 inches (27.49" vs 26.69"). 205/60R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/60R17 with 205/65R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.0%, 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 205/65R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/65R17 fitted (calibrated for 205/60R17), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.0%.
Will 205/65R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.40 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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