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Tire Size Comparison

235/55R17 vs 225/60R16

Switching from 235/55R17 to 225/60R16 changes overall diameter by -2.01% (27.18 in → 26.63 in).

-2.01%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 235/55R17, fitting 225/60R16 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.2 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.8 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h78.4 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.0 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h117.6 km/h75 mph73 mph

Full comparison

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
225/60R16
Overall diameter676.4 mm · 26.63 in
Section width225 mm · 8.86 in
Sidewall height135.0 mm · 5.31 in
Circumference2125.0 mm · 83.7 in
Revolutions per mile757
Revolutions per km471
Original tire
New tire
-2.01%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
27.226.6
Original
Overall diameter690.3 mm · 27.18 in
Sidewall height129.3 mm
Circumference2,168.6 mm
Revolutions / mile742.1
New
Overall diameter676.4 mm · 26.63 in
Sidewall height135 mm
Circumference2,125 mm
Revolutions / mile757.3
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -2.01%. 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/h39.2 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.8 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h78.4 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h117.6 km/h75 mph73 mph

See individual specs: 235/55R17 · 225/60R16. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.