CarSpecsHQ

275/40R17 vs 225/55R17

225/55R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/40R17: the diameter differs by +4.22%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
275/40R17 25.66" · 225/55R17 26.74" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/40R17225/55R17Difference
Overall diameter25.66"26.74"+1.08" (+4.22%)
Section width275 mm225 mm-50 mm
Sidewall4.33"4.87"+0.54"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference80.6"84.0"+3.4"
Revs per mile786754-32
Ride height——+0.54"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.5+2.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.5 mph

With 225/55R17 on a car calibrated for 275/40R17, the speedometer reads 57.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph46.9 mph
60 mph62.5 mph
70 mph73.0 mph
80 mph83.4 mph

Other sizes close to 275/40R17

Questions

Can I replace 275/40R17 with 225/55R17?

225/55R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/40R17: the diameter differs by +4.22%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 275/40R17 and 225/55R17?

225/55R17 is 1.08" taller and 50 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.54". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.5 mph.

Will 225/55R17 fit on 275/40R17 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.