CarSpecsHQ

225/45R17 vs 205/55R17

205/55R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/45R17: the diameter differs by +3.63%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
225/45R17 24.97" · 205/55R17 25.88" · drawn to scale

Side by side

225/45R17205/55R17Difference
Overall diameter24.97"25.88"+0.91" (+3.63%)
Section width225 mm205 mm-20 mm
Sidewall3.99"4.44"+0.45"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference78.5"81.3"+2.8"
Revs per mile808779-28
Ride height——+0.45"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.2+2.2 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.2 mph

With 205/55R17 on a car calibrated for 225/45R17, the speedometer reads 57.9 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.6%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.2 mph
70 mph72.5 mph
80 mph82.9 mph

Other sizes close to 225/45R17

Questions

Can I replace 225/45R17 with 205/55R17?

205/55R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/45R17: the diameter differs by +3.63%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 225/45R17 and 205/55R17?

205/55R17 is 0.91" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.45". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.2 mph.

Will 205/55R17 fit on 225/45R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 205 mm tire and the fender clearance.