What is the diameter difference between 225/60R16 and 235/55R17?

225/60R16 has an overall diameter of 26.63 inches (676 mm). 235/55R17 is 27.18 inches (690 mm). That's a 0.55 inch (14 mm) difference — 235/55R17 is taller.

Will 235/55R17 cause speedometer error on a car fitted with 225/60R16?

Swapping 225/60R16 for 235/55R17 produces a speedometer error of about 2.1%. Your speedometer will read lower than your actual speed — a 60 mph indicated reading is really 61.2 mph. Anything under 3% is usually acceptable without recalibration.

How many revolutions per mile does each size do?

225/60R16 turns 757 revs per mile. 235/55R17 turns 742 revs per mile. Taller tyres turn fewer times per mile, which lowers effective final-drive ratio.

What's the sidewall height difference?

225/60R16 has a sidewall of 135 mm (5.31 in). 235/55R17 sidewall is 129 mm (5.09 in). Lower-profile sidewalls give sharper steering response but less bump compliance.

Is 235/55R17 a safe plus-size upgrade from 225/60R16?

A plus-size upgrade is considered safe when overall diameter stays within ±3% — here the difference is 2.1%. This swap is within the typical safe range; speedometer and ABS calibration should remain close to factory.

Tire size comparison

225/60R16 vs 235/55R17

Overall diameter, sidewall, revs per mile, and speedometer error — 235/55R17 is the taller tire, with a 2.1% speedo delta when swapping.

225/60R16

26.63in

676 mm overall diameter

235/55R17

27.18in

690 mm overall diameter

Diameter Δ

0.55 in

Speedo error

2.1%

225/60R16 revs/mi

757

235/55R17 revs/mi

742

Within the ±3% overall-diameter band usually considered safe for plus-sizing — speedometer and ABS calibration should stay close to factory.

Full spec

Side by side

Metric	225/60R16	235/55R17
Section width	225 mm	235 mm
Aspect ratio	60	55
Wheel diameter	16″	17″
Sidewall height	135 mm	129 mm
Overall diameter	26.63 in (676 mm)	27.18 in (690 mm)
Circumference	83.66 in	85.38 in
Revolutions / mile	757	742

Other comparisons for these sizes

205/60R16 vs 225/60R16 215/60R16 vs 225/60R16 215/55R17 vs 235/55R17 235/55R17 vs 235/50R18

FAQ

Frequently asked

What is the diameter difference between 225/60R16 and 235/55R17?: 225/60R16 has an overall diameter of 26.63 inches (676 mm). 235/55R17 is 27.18 inches (690 mm). That's a 0.55 inch (14 mm) difference — 235/55R17 is taller.
Will 235/55R17 cause speedometer error on a car fitted with 225/60R16?: Swapping 225/60R16 for 235/55R17 produces a speedometer error of about 2.1%. Your speedometer will read lower than your actual speed — a 60 mph indicated reading is really 61.2 mph. Anything under 3% is usually acceptable without recalibration.
How many revolutions per mile does each size do?: 225/60R16 turns 757 revs per mile. 235/55R17 turns 742 revs per mile. Taller tyres turn fewer times per mile, which lowers effective final-drive ratio.
What's the sidewall height difference?: 225/60R16 has a sidewall of 135 mm (5.31 in). 235/55R17 sidewall is 129 mm (5.09 in). Lower-profile sidewalls give sharper steering response but less bump compliance.
Is 235/55R17 a safe plus-size upgrade from 225/60R16?: A plus-size upgrade is considered safe when overall diameter stays within ±3% — here the difference is 2.1%. This swap is within the typical safe range; speedometer and ABS calibration should remain close to factory.