205/60R16 vs 225/60R16

225/60R16 is 0.94 inches (3.7%) taller than 205/60R16 and 0.79 inches wider. Here are both sizes side by side, drawn to scale.

Last updated · Calculated from the sidewall code · Sources

Tire sizes

Type it as it appears on the sidewall: 275/60R20, LT265/70R17 or 33x12.50R20.

Difference in height
+0.94″
225/60R16 vs 205/60R16
205/60R16225/60R16Difference
Overall diameter25.7″ 652 mm26.6″ 676 mm+0.94″ (+3.7%)
Section width8.1″ 205 mm8.9″ 225 mm+0.79″
Sidewall height4.84″ 123 mm5.31″ 135 mm+0.47″
Wheel (rim) diameter16″16″same
Circumference80.7″ 2050 mm83.7″ 2125 mm+3.0″
Revolutions per mile785757−28
Ground clearance+0.47″
205/60R1625.7″ × 8.1″25.7″225/60R1626.6″ × 8.9″26.6″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

225/60R16 is 0.94″ taller (3.7%) and 0.79″ wider than 205/60R16. With a speedometer set up for 205/60R16, an indicated 60 mph is really 62.2 mph on 225/60R16, so the gauge reads 3.7% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.47″.

A 3.7% difference is more than the ±3% shops commonly use as a limit: plan to recalibrate the speedometer, check clearance (and lift or leveling needs), and consider regearing if it's a big jump.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 225/60R16
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.7 mph
60 mph62.2 mph
70 mph72.6 mph
80 mph82.9 mph

What changes when you switch to 225/60R16

Sizes are theoretical, from the sidewall code. The same size can differ by a few tenths of an inch between brands and tread patterns; check the maker’s spec sheet for the exact model.

Other comparisons

Frequently asked questions

How much bigger is 225/60R16 than 205/60R16?

225/60R16 is 0.94 inches (3.7%) taller and 0.79 inches wider: 26.6" × 8.9" versus 25.7" × 8.1".

Will 225/60R16 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 3.7%. Going from 205/60R16 to 225/60R16, an indicated 60 mph is about 62.2 mph.

Can I replace 205/60R16 with 225/60R16?

Possibly, but the height difference is over 3%, so check clearance and plan to recalibrate the speedometer. Both fit a 16" wheel; confirm the rim width, load index and clearance for your vehicle.

Do I need to regear going from 205/60R16 to 225/60R16?

Usually not for a 3.7% change. With 3.73 gears, the 225/60R16 acts like 3.60.

Related