Tire Size Box

205/80R15 vs 225/80R15

225/80R15 compared with 205/80R15

+4.5% diameter, +0.8" width

225/80R15 is 29.17" tall vs 27.91". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.9"15" rim6.5"8.1" wide
205/80R15 (solid) compared with 225/80R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/80R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.7 mph

225/80R15 is +1.26 inches (+4.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/80R15225/80R15Difference%
Overall diameter27.91"29.17"+1.26"+4.5%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height6.46"7.09"+0.63"+9.8%
Circumference87.69"91.65"+3.96"+4.5%
Revolutions per mile722.5691.3−31.2−4.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/80R15 and you fit 225/80R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.9 mph+0.9 mph
30 mph31.4 mph+1.4 mph
40 mph41.8 mph+1.8 mph
50 mph52.3 mph+2.3 mph
60 mph62.7 mph+2.7 mph
65 mph67.9 mph+2.9 mph
70 mph73.2 mph+3.2 mph
75 mph78.4 mph+3.4 mph
80 mph83.6 mph+3.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/80R15 or 225/80R15?
225/80R15 is taller by 1.26 inches (29.17" vs 27.91"). 225/80R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/80R15 with 225/80R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.5%, 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 225/80R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/80R15 fitted (calibrated for 205/80R15), your real speed is 62.7 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.5%.
Will 225/80R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.63 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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