215/55R17 vs 225/55R17: Tire Size Comparison
225/55R17 is 0.43 inches taller than 215/55R17 (26.74″ vs 26.31″, +1.65%) and 0.39 inches wider. The difference is within the common ±3% guideline. At an indicated 60 mph you would be doing 61 mph.
| 215/55R17 | 225/55R17 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 26.31 in | 26.74 in | +0.43 |
| Section width | 8.46 in | 8.86 in | +0.39 |
| Sidewall height | 4.66 in | 4.87 in | +0.22 |
| Circumference | 82.7 in | 84 in | +1.36 |
| Revolutions per mile | 767 | 754 | −12 |
215/55R17 vs 225/55R17 dimensions
| 215/55R17 | 225/55R17 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 26.31 in (668 mm) | 26.74 in (679 mm) | +0.43 in (+1.65%) |
| Section width | 8.46 in | 8.86 in | +0.39 in |
| Sidewall height | 4.66 in | 4.87 in | +0.22 in |
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 17 in | same wheel |
| Circumference | 82.7 in | 84 in | +1.36 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 767 | 754 | -12 |
Nominal dimensions calculated from the size code. Real tires vary slightly by brand, tread depth and inflation.
Speedometer difference with 225/55R17
| Speedometer shows | Actual speed on 225/55R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | 30.5 mph | +0.5 mph |
| 45 mph | 45.7 mph | +0.7 mph |
| 60 mph | 61 mph | +1 mph |
| 70 mph | 71.2 mph | +1.2 mph |
| 80 mph | 81.3 mph | +1.3 mph |
Assumes your speedometer is accurate on 215/55R17. Because 225/55R17 is taller, you travel slightly faster than indicated and the odometer under-counts: 10,000 miles on the odometer is about 10,165 real miles.
What changes if you switch
- Ride height: up about 0.22 in (half the diameter change).
- Wheels: both fit a 17-inch wheel; check the tire's approved rim width range.
- Sidewall: a taller sidewall usually rides softer and resists pothole damage, with a little less steering sharpness.
- Effective gearing: slightly taller, so marginally lower engine rpm at speed and slightly slower acceleration.
- Match the original load index and speed rating or higher, and check for rubbing at full steering lock and full suspension compression.
Related tire size comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Can I use 225/55R17 instead of 215/55R17?
225/55R17 is +1.65% in overall diameter compared with 215/55R17 (26.74″ vs 26.31″). That is inside the common ±3% guideline, so it is often used as an alternative. Check your vehicle placard, load index, speed rating and clearance before switching.
How much taller is 225/55R17 than 215/55R17?
225/55R17 is 0.43 inches taller overall, which raises ride height by about 0.22 inches. Sidewall height changes from 4.66″ to 4.87″.
How much wider is 225/55R17 than 215/55R17?
Section width goes from 8.46″ (215 mm) to 8.86″ (225 mm), a difference of +0.39 in. Actual width also depends on the rim width it is mounted on.
How does 225/55R17 affect my speedometer?
With 225/55R17 fitted in place of 215/55R17, when the speedometer shows 60 mph you are actually going about 61 mph. The odometer will record 10,000 miles when you have driven about 10,165.