Tire Size Box

205/65R15 vs 225/65R15

225/65R15 compared with 205/65R15

+4.0% diameter, +0.8" width

225/65R15 is 26.52" tall vs 25.49". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.5"15" rim5.2"8.1" wide
205/65R15 (solid) compared with 225/65R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/65R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.4 mph

225/65R15 is +1.02 inches (+4.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/65R15225/65R15Difference%
Overall diameter25.49"26.52"+1.02"+4.0%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height5.25"5.76"+0.51"+9.8%
Circumference80.09"83.30"+3.22"+4.0%
Revolutions per mile791.2760.6−30.5−3.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/65R15 and you fit 225/65R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.2 mph+1.2 mph
40 mph41.6 mph+1.6 mph
50 mph52.0 mph+2.0 mph
60 mph62.4 mph+2.4 mph
65 mph67.6 mph+2.6 mph
70 mph72.8 mph+2.8 mph
75 mph78.0 mph+3.0 mph
80 mph83.2 mph+3.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/65R15 or 225/65R15?
225/65R15 is taller by 1.02 inches (26.52" vs 25.49"). 225/65R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/65R15 with 225/65R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.0%, 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 225/65R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/65R15 fitted (calibrated for 205/65R15), your real speed is 62.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.0%.
Will 225/65R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.51 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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