Tire Size Box

205/65R16 vs 225/65R16

225/65R16 compared with 205/65R16

+3.9% diameter, +0.8" width

225/65R16 is 27.52" tall vs 26.49". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.5"16" rim5.2"8.1" wide
205/65R16 (solid) compared with 225/65R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/65R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.3 mph

225/65R16 is +1.02 inches (+3.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/65R16225/65R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.49"27.52"+1.02"+3.9%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height5.25"5.76"+0.51"+9.8%
Circumference83.23"86.44"+3.22"+3.9%
Revolutions per mile761.3733.0−28.3−3.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/65R16 and you fit 225/65R16, 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 mph41.5 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, 205/65R16 or 225/65R16?
225/65R16 is taller by 1.02 inches (27.52" vs 26.49"). 225/65R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/65R16 with 225/65R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.9%, 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 225/65R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/65R16 fitted (calibrated for 205/65R16), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.9%.
Will 225/65R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.51 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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