CarSpecsHQ

205/50R15 vs 225/50R15

225/50R15 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/50R15: the diameter differs by +3.41%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

15" rim
205/50R15 23.07" · 225/50R15 23.86" · drawn to scale

Side by side

205/50R15225/50R15Difference
Overall diameter23.07"23.86"+0.79" (+3.41%)
Section width205 mm225 mm+20 mm
Sidewall4.04"4.43"+0.39"
Rim15"15"same
Circumference72.5"75.0"+2.5"
Revs per mile874845-29
Ride height——+0.39"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.0+2.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.0 mph

With 225/50R15 on a car calibrated for 205/50R15, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.0 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.7 mph

Other sizes close to 205/50R15

Questions

Can I replace 205/50R15 with 225/50R15?

225/50R15 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/50R15: the diameter differs by +3.41%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 205/50R15 and 225/50R15?

225/50R15 is 0.79" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.39". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.0 mph.

Will 225/50R15 fit on 205/50R15 wheels?

Both use a 15" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 225 mm tire and the fender clearance.