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Tire Size Comparison

225/70R16 vs 235/55R17

Switching from 225/70R16 to 235/55R17 changes overall diameter by -4.31% (28.40 in → 27.18 in).

-4.31%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 225/70R16, fitting 235/55R17 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h38.3 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57.4 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h76.6 km/h50 mph48 mph
100 km/h95.7 km/h62 mph59 mph
120 km/h114.8 km/h75 mph71 mph

Full comparison

225/70R16
Overall diameter721.4 mm · 28.40 in
Section width225 mm · 8.86 in
Sidewall height157.5 mm · 6.20 in
Circumference2266.3 mm · 89.2 in
Revolutions per mile710
Revolutions per km441
235/55R17
Overall diameter690.3 mm · 27.18 in
Section width235 mm · 9.25 in
Sidewall height129.3 mm · 5.09 in
Circumference2168.6 mm · 85.4 in
Revolutions per mile742
Revolutions per km461
Original tire
New tire
-4.31%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error
28.427.2
Original
Overall diameter721.4 mm · 28.4 in
Sidewall height157.5 mm
Circumference2,266.3 mm
Revolutions / mile710.1
New
Overall diameter690.3 mm · 27.18 in
Sidewall height129.3 mm
Circumference2,168.6 mm
Revolutions / mile742.1
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -4.31%. 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/h38.3 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57.4 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h76.6 km/h50 mph48 mph
100 km/h95.7 km/h62 mph59 mph
120 km/h114.8 km/h75 mph71 mph

See individual specs: 225/70R16 · 235/55R17. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.