SidewallMath
Tire size comparisons · Updated

215/55R17 vs 225/55R17

Close match: the 225/55R17 is 1.6% taller than the 215/55R17.

Close match. 225/55R17 is 1.6% taller than 215/55R17 (+0.43 in, 26.3 to 26.7 in). 60 mph on the speedometer is really 61.0 mph and the ride height changes by about +0.22 in.

215/55R17 vs 225/55R17 at a glance

215/55R17 and 225/55R17 compared
Measure215/55R17 (current)225/55R17 (new)Difference
Overall height26.31 in26.74 in+0.43 in (+1.65%)
Width8.46 in (215 mm)8.86 in (225 mm)+10 mm
Sidewall4.66 in4.87 in+0.22 in
Wheel17 in17 in+0 in
Circumference82.7 in84.0 in+1.4 in
Revs per mile766.5754.1−12.4

Verdict: close match

Within the 3% rule of thumb, so the speedometer, gearing and ride height change little. Going from 215/55R17 to 225/55R17 is a 1.6% increase in overall height (+0.43 in), and the vehicle sits about 0.22 in higher. The tire is 10 mm wider. The 3% rule of thumb comes from Discount Tire and 1010tires; it is not a guarantee of fit.

True speed and odometer

Speedometer after swapping 215/55R17 for 225/55R17
Speedometer showsYou are really doingDifference
35 mph35.6 mph+0.6 mph
45 mph45.7 mph+0.7 mph
55 mph55.9 mph+0.9 mph
60 mph61.0 mph+1.0 mph
65 mph66.1 mph+1.1 mph
70 mph71.2 mph+1.2 mph
75 mph76.2 mph+1.2 mph

Odometer: 1,000 indicated miles is 1,016 real miles, and 10,000 is 10,165.

The math

215/55R17: 17 + 2 × (215 × 55% ÷ 25.4) = 26.31 in. 225/55R17: 17 + 2 × (225 × 55% ÷ 25.4) = 26.74 in. Change = 26.74 ÷ 26.31 − 1 = +1.65%. True speed at 60 = 60 × 26.74 ÷ 26.31 = 60.99 mph.

Check next

Calculated from the size alone. Real tires vary a little by brand and model, and the loaded radius is a bit smaller. Confirm the wheel width range, clearance, load index and speed rating for your vehicle. See how to read a tire size, the load index chart and the speed rating chart.

Size pages: 215/55R17 · 225/55R17. More swaps: all tire size comparisons.

FAQ

Is 225/55R17 bigger than 215/55R17?

225/55R17 is 26.74 in tall against 26.31 in, so it is 1.6% taller and 10 mm wider.

What is my real speed with 225/55R17 instead of 215/55R17?

60 mph on the speedometer is really 61.0 mph and 70 is 71.2 mph.

Will 225/55R17 fit where 215/55R17 fits?

It is a close match on height (+1.6%). Fit also depends on wheel width, offset, clearance, load index and speed rating: this cannot tell you.

How much will the ride height change from 215/55R17 to 225/55R17?

About 0.22 in higher, half of the 0.43 in change in tire height.

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