225/65R17 vs 235/65R17: Tire Size Comparison
235/65R17 is 0.51 inches taller than 225/65R17 (29.03″ vs 28.52″, +1.79%) and 0.39 inches wider. The difference is within the common ±3% guideline. At an indicated 60 mph you would be doing 61.1 mph.
| 225/65R17 | 235/65R17 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 28.52 in | 29.03 in | +0.51 |
| Section width | 8.86 in | 9.25 in | +0.39 |
| Sidewall height | 5.76 in | 6.01 in | +0.26 |
| Circumference | 89.6 in | 91.2 in | +1.61 |
| Revolutions per mile | 707 | 695 | −12 |
225/65R17 vs 235/65R17 dimensions
| 225/65R17 | 235/65R17 | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 28.52 in (724 mm) | 29.03 in (737 mm) | +0.51 in (+1.79%) |
| Section width | 8.86 in | 9.25 in | +0.39 in |
| Sidewall height | 5.76 in | 6.01 in | +0.26 in |
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 17 in | same wheel |
| Circumference | 89.6 in | 91.2 in | +1.61 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 707 | 695 | -12 |
Nominal dimensions calculated from the size code. Real tires vary slightly by brand, tread depth and inflation.
Speedometer difference with 235/65R17
| Speedometer shows | Actual speed on 235/65R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | 30.5 mph | +0.5 mph |
| 45 mph | 45.8 mph | +0.8 mph |
| 60 mph | 61.1 mph | +1.1 mph |
| 70 mph | 71.3 mph | +1.3 mph |
| 80 mph | 81.4 mph | +1.4 mph |
Assumes your speedometer is accurate on 225/65R17. Because 235/65R17 is taller, you travel slightly faster than indicated and the odometer under-counts: 10,000 miles on the odometer is about 10,179 real miles.
What changes if you switch
- Ride height: up about 0.26 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 235/65R17 instead of 225/65R17?
235/65R17 is +1.79% in overall diameter compared with 225/65R17 (29.03″ vs 28.52″). 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 235/65R17 than 225/65R17?
235/65R17 is 0.51 inches taller overall, which raises ride height by about 0.26 inches. Sidewall height changes from 5.76″ to 6.01″.
How much wider is 235/65R17 than 225/65R17?
Section width goes from 8.86″ (225 mm) to 9.25″ (235 mm), a difference of +0.39 in. Actual width also depends on the rim width it is mounted on.
How does 235/65R17 affect my speedometer?
With 235/65R17 fitted in place of 225/65R17, when the speedometer shows 60 mph you are actually going about 61.1 mph. The odometer will record 10,000 miles when you have driven about 10,179.