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Tire Size Comparison

225/70R15 vs 205/70R15

Switching from 225/70R15 to 205/70R15 changes overall diameter by -4.02% (27.40 in → 26.30 in).

-4.02%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 225/70R15, fitting 205/70R15 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h38.4 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57.6 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h76.8 km/h50 mph48 mph
100 km/h96.0 km/h62 mph60 mph
120 km/h115.2 km/h75 mph72 mph

Full comparison

225/70R15
Overall diameter696.0 mm · 27.40 in
Section width225 mm · 8.86 in
Sidewall height157.5 mm · 6.20 in
Circumference2186.5 mm · 86.1 in
Revolutions per mile736
Revolutions per km457
205/70R15
Overall diameter668.0 mm · 26.30 in
Section width205 mm · 8.07 in
Sidewall height143.5 mm · 5.65 in
Circumference2098.6 mm · 82.6 in
Revolutions per mile767
Revolutions per km477
Original tire
New tire
-4.02%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error
27.426.3
Original
Overall diameter696 mm · 27.4 in
Sidewall height157.5 mm
Circumference2,186.5 mm
Revolutions / mile736
New
Overall diameter668 mm · 26.3 in
Sidewall height143.5 mm
Circumference2,098.6 mm
Revolutions / mile766.9
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -4.02%. With a speedometer calibrated to the original tire, that same percentage is how far the speedometer and odometer read off — a taller tire means your true speed is higher than indicated and the odometer under-counts distance.

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h38.4 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57.6 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h76.8 km/h50 mph48 mph
100 km/h96 km/h62 mph60 mph
120 km/h115.2 km/h75 mph72 mph

See individual specs: 225/70R15 · 205/70R15. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.