CarSpecsHQ

235/55R17 vs 225/65R17

225/65R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/55R17: the diameter differs by +4.93%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
235/55R17 27.18" · 225/65R17 28.52" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/55R17225/65R17Difference
Overall diameter27.18"28.52"+1.34" (+4.93%)
Section width235 mm225 mm-10 mm
Sidewall5.09"5.76"+0.67"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference85.4"89.6"+4.2"
Revs per mile742707-35
Ride height——+0.67"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 225/65R17 on a car calibrated for 235/55R17, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.4 mph
80 mph83.9 mph

Other sizes close to 235/55R17

Questions

Can I replace 235/55R17 with 225/65R17?

225/65R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/55R17: the diameter differs by +4.93%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 235/55R17 and 225/65R17?

225/65R17 is 1.34" taller and 10 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.67". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 225/65R17 fit on 235/55R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 225 mm tire and the fender clearance.