Tire Size Box

205/65R17 vs 225/65R17

225/65R17 compared with 205/65R17

+3.7% diameter, +0.8" width

225/65R17 is 28.52" tall vs 27.49". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.5"17" rim5.2"8.1" wide
205/65R17 (solid) compared with 225/65R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/65R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.2 mph

225/65R17 is +1.02 inches (+3.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/65R17225/65R17Difference%
Overall diameter27.49"28.52"+1.02"+3.7%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height5.25"5.76"+0.51"+9.8%
Circumference86.37"89.58"+3.22"+3.7%
Revolutions per mile733.6707.3−26.3−3.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/65R17 and you fit 225/65R17, 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 mph51.9 mph+1.9 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 mph83.0 mph+3.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/65R17 or 225/65R17?
225/65R17 is taller by 1.02 inches (28.52" vs 27.49"). 225/65R17 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/65R17 with 225/65R17?
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 225/65R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/65R17 fitted (calibrated for 205/65R17), your real speed is 62.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.7%.
Will 225/65R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.51 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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