Tire Size Box

205/70R17 vs 225/70R17

225/70R17 compared with 205/70R17

+3.9% diameter, +0.8" width

225/70R17 is 29.40" tall vs 28.30". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.3"17" rim5.6"8.1" wide
205/70R17 (solid) compared with 225/70R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/70R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.3 mph

225/70R17 is +1.10 inches (+3.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/70R17225/70R17Difference%
Overall diameter28.30"29.40"+1.10"+3.9%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height5.65"6.20"+0.55"+9.8%
Circumference88.90"92.37"+3.46"+3.9%
Revolutions per mile712.7686.0−26.7−3.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/70R17 and you fit 225/70R17, 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 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, 205/70R17 or 225/70R17?
225/70R17 is taller by 1.10 inches (29.40" vs 28.30"). 225/70R17 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/70R17 with 225/70R17?
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 225/70R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/70R17 fitted (calibrated for 205/70R17), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.9%.
Will 225/70R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.55 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons