Tire Size Box

205/80R16 vs 225/80R16

225/80R16 compared with 205/80R16

+4.4% diameter, +0.8" width

225/80R16 is 30.17" tall vs 28.91". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.9"16" rim6.5"8.1" wide
205/80R16 (solid) compared with 225/80R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/80R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.6 mph

225/80R16 is +1.26 inches (+4.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/80R16225/80R16Difference%
Overall diameter28.91"30.17"+1.26"+4.4%
Section width8.07"8.86"+0.79"+9.8%
Sidewall height6.46"7.09"+0.63"+9.8%
Circumference90.83"94.79"+3.96"+4.4%
Revolutions per mile697.5668.4−29.1−4.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/80R16 and you fit 225/80R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.9 mph+0.9 mph
30 mph31.3 mph+1.3 mph
40 mph41.7 mph+1.7 mph
50 mph52.2 mph+2.2 mph
60 mph62.6 mph+2.6 mph
65 mph67.8 mph+2.8 mph
70 mph73.1 mph+3.1 mph
75 mph78.3 mph+3.3 mph
80 mph83.5 mph+3.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/80R16 or 225/80R16?
225/80R16 is taller by 1.26 inches (30.17" vs 28.91"). 225/80R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/80R16 with 225/80R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.4%, 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 225/80R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/80R16 fitted (calibrated for 205/80R16), your real speed is 62.6 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.4%.
Will 225/80R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.63 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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