Tire Size Box

215/55R17 vs 215/65R17

215/65R17 compared with 215/55R17

+6.4% diameter, 0.0" width

215/65R17 is 28.00" tall vs 26.31". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.3"17" rim4.7"8.5" wide
215/55R17 (solid) compared with 215/65R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/65R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.9 mph

215/65R17 is +1.69 inches (+6.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/55R17215/65R17Difference%
Overall diameter26.31"28.00"+1.69"+6.4%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.66"5.50"+0.85"+18.2%
Circumference82.66"87.98"+5.32"+6.4%
Revolutions per mile766.5720.2−46.3−6.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/55R17 and you fit 215/65R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph31.9 mph+1.9 mph
40 mph42.6 mph+2.6 mph
50 mph53.2 mph+3.2 mph
60 mph63.9 mph+3.9 mph
65 mph69.2 mph+4.2 mph
70 mph74.5 mph+4.5 mph
75 mph79.8 mph+4.8 mph
80 mph85.1 mph+5.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/55R17 or 215/65R17?
215/65R17 is taller by 1.69 inches (28.00" vs 26.31"). 215/55R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/55R17 with 215/65R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.4%, 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 215/65R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/65R17 fitted (calibrated for 215/55R17), your real speed is 63.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.4%.
Will 215/65R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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