205/55R16 vs 225/45R17: full comparison
| Measurement | 205/55R16 | 225/45R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 24.88 in | 24.97 in | +0.09 in+0.4% |
| Section width | 8.07 in | 8.86 in | +0.79 in+9.8% |
| Sidewall height | 4.44 in | 3.99 in | −0.45 in−10.2% |
| Circumference | 78.16 in | 78.45 in | +0.30 in+0.4% |
| Revs per mile | 811 | 808 | −3−0.4% |
Speedometer: indicated vs actual speed
With 225/45R17 fitted where 205/55R16 was the stock/calibrated size:
| Speedometer shows | Actual speed | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mph | 20.1 mph | +0.1 mph |
| 30 mph | 30.1 mph | +0.1 mph |
| 40 mph | 40.2 mph | +0.2 mph |
| 50 mph | 50.2 mph | +0.2 mph |
| 55 mph | 55.2 mph | +0.2 mph |
| 60 mph | 60.2 mph | +0.2 mph |
| 65 mph | 65.2 mph | +0.2 mph |
| 70 mph | 70.3 mph | +0.3 mph |
| 75 mph | 75.3 mph | +0.3 mph |
| 80 mph | 80.3 mph | +0.3 mph |
Recalculate for a gear ratio change too →
Will 225/45R17 fit where 205/55R16 was?
205/55R16 and 225/45R17 are essentially the same overall height (+0.4%), so this is usually a straightforward swap as far as fitment goes -- the main thing to check is wheel width and offset, not diameter.
More tire tools
- Tire size comparison tool: compare any two sizes yourself, including flotation sizes.
- Tire size calculator: full dimensions of one size, plus every equivalent size within 3%.
- Speedometer calculator: true speed after a tire or gear ratio change.
Frequently asked questions
How much bigger is 225/45R17 than 205/55R16?
225/45R17 is 0.09 in taller in overall diameter (+0.4%) and 0.79 in wider in section width (+9.8%) than 205/55R16.
Will 225/45R17 fit in place of 205/55R16?
205/55R16 and 225/45R17 are essentially the same overall height (+0.4%), so this is usually a straightforward swap as far as fitment goes -- the main thing to check is wheel width and offset, not diameter.
Does swapping to 225/45R17 affect my speedometer?
With 225/45R17 fitted where 205/55R16 was calibrated, an indicated 60 mph is really about 60.2 mph. That small a difference is within the ±3% most shops treat as close enough not to recalibrate.
Does 225/45R17 change the ride height?
Yes -- half the diameter difference shows up at the axle, so 225/45R17 changes ride height by about 0.05 in higher compared with 205/55R16.
Do 205/55R16 and 225/45R17 use the same wheel (rim) diameter?
No -- 205/55R16 needs a 16 inch wheel and 225/45R17 needs a 17 inch wheel, so this comparison also assumes (or requires) a wheel change.