SidewallMath
Tire size comparisons · Updated

225/45R17 vs 235/45R17

Close match: the 235/45R17 is 1.4% taller than the 225/45R17.

Close match. 235/45R17 is 1.4% taller than 225/45R17 (+0.35 in, 25.0 to 25.3 in). 60 mph on the speedometer is really 60.9 mph and the ride height changes by about +0.18 in.

225/45R17 vs 235/45R17 at a glance

225/45R17 and 235/45R17 compared
Measure225/45R17 (current)235/45R17 (new)Difference
Overall height24.97 in25.33 in+0.35 in (+1.42%)
Width8.86 in (225 mm)9.25 in (235 mm)+10 mm
Sidewall3.99 in4.16 in+0.18 in
Wheel17 in17 in+0 in
Circumference78.5 in79.6 in+1.1 in
Revs per mile807.6796.3−11.3

Verdict: close match

Within the 3% rule of thumb, so the speedometer, gearing and ride height change little. Going from 225/45R17 to 235/45R17 is a 1.4% increase in overall height (+0.35 in), and the vehicle sits about 0.18 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 225/45R17 for 235/45R17
Speedometer showsYou are really doingDifference
35 mph35.5 mph+0.5 mph
45 mph45.6 mph+0.6 mph
55 mph55.8 mph+0.8 mph
60 mph60.9 mph+0.9 mph
65 mph65.9 mph+0.9 mph
70 mph71.0 mph+1.0 mph
75 mph76.1 mph+1.1 mph

Odometer: 1,000 indicated miles is 1,014 real miles, and 10,000 is 10,142.

The math

225/45R17: 17 + 2 × (225 × 45% ÷ 25.4) = 24.97 in. 235/45R17: 17 + 2 × (235 × 45% ÷ 25.4) = 25.33 in. Change = 25.33 ÷ 24.97 − 1 = +1.42%. True speed at 60 = 60 × 25.33 ÷ 24.97 = 60.85 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: 225/45R17 · 235/45R17. More swaps: all tire size comparisons.

FAQ

Is 235/45R17 bigger than 225/45R17?

235/45R17 is 25.33 in tall against 24.97 in, so it is 1.4% taller and 10 mm wider.

What is my real speed with 235/45R17 instead of 225/45R17?

60 mph on the speedometer is really 60.9 mph and 70 is 71.0 mph.

Will 235/45R17 fit where 225/45R17 fits?

It is a close match on height (+1.4%). 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 225/45R17 to 235/45R17?

About 0.18 in higher, half of the 0.35 in change in tire height.

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