TireSizeCheck

215/55R17 vs 225/45R17

Fit verdict

Too big a jump

Diameter change

−5.1%

5.1% is past the 5% mark, which is where this stops being a tire choice and starts being a project. Expect rubbing, meaningful speedometer error, and extra load on ABS, stability control and the drivetrain. Recalibration is the usual fix. Your speedometer will read high, so you are going slower than it says.

New overall diameter

24.97″

was 26.31″

True speed at an indicated 60

56.9 mph

your speedo reads high

Revolutions per mile

808

was 767, +41

Measurement 215/55R17 225/45R17 Change
Overall diameter 26.31″ 24.97″ −1.34″ (−5.1%)
Sidewall height 4.66″ (118.3 mm) 3.99″ (101.3 mm) −17.0 mm
Tread width 215 mm 225 mm +10 mm
Circumference 82.66″ 78.45″ −4.21″
Revs per mile 767 808 +41
Speedometer error baseline −5.1% reads high

Diameter overlay

215/55R17 225/45R17

Speedometer check

With 225/45R17 fitted, when the speedometer shows the indicated speed, your actual speed is:

25 mph shown

23.7 mph actual

35 mph shown

33.2 mph actual

45 mph shown

42.7 mph actual

55 mph shown

52.2 mph actual

65 mph shown

61.7 mph actual

75 mph shown

71.2 mph actual

Common questions

Will 225/45R17 fit instead of 215/55R17?
5.1% is past the 5% mark, which is where this stops being a tire choice and starts being a project. Expect rubbing, meaningful speedometer error, and extra load on ABS, stability control and the drivetrain. Recalibration is the usual fix. Your speedometer will read high, so you are going slower than it says. Overall diameter goes from 26.31″ to 24.97″, a change of −5.1%. The rule of thumb most shops use: under 3% is fine, 3 to 5% needs a clearance check, over 5% needs recalibration.
How far off will my speedometer read on 225/45R17?
At an indicated 60 mph you are really doing about 56.9 mph, a −5.1% error. The speedometer reads high, so you are going slower than it shows.
What is the difference in revolutions per mile between 215/55R17 and 225/45R17?
215/55R17 turns about 767 times per mile and 225/45R17 turns about 808, a difference of +41. Your speedometer and odometer both count rotations, so this number is what throws them off.