CarSpecsHQ

205/55R16 vs 225/55R16

225/55R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/55R16: the diameter differs by +3.48%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

16" rim
205/55R16 24.88" · 225/55R16 25.74" · drawn to scale

Side by side

205/55R16225/55R16Difference
Overall diameter24.88"25.74"+0.87" (+3.48%)
Section width205 mm225 mm+20 mm
Sidewall4.44"4.87"+0.43"
Rim16"16"same
Circumference78.2"80.9"+2.7"
Revs per mile811783-27
Ride height——+0.43"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 225/55R16 on a car calibrated for 205/55R16, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.8 mph

Other sizes close to 205/55R16

Questions

Can I replace 205/55R16 with 225/55R16?

225/55R16 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/55R16: the diameter differs by +3.48%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 205/55R16 and 225/55R16?

225/55R16 is 0.87" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.43". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.1 mph.

Will 225/55R16 fit on 205/55R16 wheels?

Both use a 16" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 225 mm tire and the fender clearance.