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Tire Size Comparison

235/65R17 vs 225/70R16

Switching from 235/65R17 to 225/70R16 changes overall diameter by -2.16% (29.03 in → 28.40 in).

-2.16%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 235/65R17, fitting 225/70R16 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.1 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.7 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h78.3 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h97.8 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h117.4 km/h75 mph73 mph

Full comparison

235/65R17
Overall diameter737.3 mm · 29.03 in
Section width235 mm · 9.25 in
Sidewall height152.8 mm · 6.01 in
Circumference2316.3 mm · 91.2 in
Revolutions per mile695
Revolutions per km432
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
Original tire
New tire
-2.16%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
2928.4
Original
Overall diameter737.3 mm · 29.03 in
Sidewall height152.8 mm
Circumference2,316.3 mm
Revolutions / mile694.8
New
Overall diameter721.4 mm · 28.4 in
Sidewall height157.5 mm
Circumference2,266.3 mm
Revolutions / mile710.1
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -2.16%. 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/h39.1 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.7 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h78.3 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h97.8 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h117.4 km/h75 mph73 mph

See individual specs: 235/65R17 · 225/70R16. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.