Tire Size Calculator

Calculate tire dimensions from tire size code. Compare two sizes for speedometer difference.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: NHTSA — U.S. Dept. of Transportation

Overall Diameter

28.5"

Sidewall Height

5.8"

Revs per Mile

707

Tire: 225/65R17

Section Width225 mm
Aspect Ratio65%
Rim Diameter17"
Sidewall Height146.3 mm (5.76")
Overall Diameter28.52"
Circumference89.58"
Revolutions per Mile707

Use the Tire Size Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

A tire's sidewall code packs its full geometry into a few characters, and reading that code correctly in 2026 is what keeps a replacement set fitting properly, the speedometer honest, and handling predictable. Stray too far from the original specification and you invite uneven wear, degraded cornering, and in some cases a voided vehicle warranty.

From a code such as P205/55R16, the math derives overall diameter, sidewall height, and circumference using the section width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter. The speedometer comparison works by setting one tire's circumference against another's: the difference in rotations per mile maps directly onto how far off your indicated speed will read against your true speed.

Confirm your current size by reading the sidewall itself rather than trusting the owner's manual, since a prior owner may have fitted something different. A circumference gap that looks trivial as a percentage compounds into a meaningful speedometer error across many miles of driving. And never pair a radial with a bias-ply tire on the same axle, because the mismatch can wreck handling outright.

Example: Upgrading Tires on a 2026 Ford F-150 Lariat

  1. 1 Your 2026 Ford F-150 Lariat currently has P275/60R20 tires. You're considering upgrading to a larger P285/65R20 tire for a more aggressive look and slightly increased ground clearance.
  2. 2 Input P275/60R20 as 'Tire 1' and P285/65R20 as 'Tire 2' into the calculator. The calculator will determine the overall diameter, sidewall height, and circumference for each tire. It will then calculate the percentage difference between their circumferences.
  3. 3 The calculator reveals that the P275/60R20 tire has an overall diameter of 32.99 inches and a circumference of 103.65 inches. The P285/65R20 tire has an overall diameter of 34.61 inches and a circumference of 108.79 inches. This results in a 4.96% increase in circumference for the larger tire.
  4. 4 This 4.96% increase means that when your speedometer reads 60 MPH, your actual speed will be approximately 62.98 MPH. You should consider recalibrating your speedometer to ensure accurate readings, especially for legal compliance and safety. The larger tires will also raise your truck's ride height by approximately 0.81 inches.

Source: NHTSA — U.S. Dept. of Transportation · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I read a tire size like 225/65R17?
225 is the width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height is 65% of width), R means radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. The overall diameter is about 28.5 inches for this example.
What happens if I use a different tire size?
A different size affects speedometer accuracy, ride height, handling, and potentially ABS/traction control calibration. Small changes (1-3% in diameter) are usually fine. Larger changes may require a speedometer recalibration and can void warranties.
Can I put wider tires on my car?
You can go slightly wider (10-20mm) on the same wheel if there is clearance in the wheel well. Going too wide causes rubbing on turns, affects fuel economy, and may change handling characteristics. Always check your vehicle's approved tire size range.