Tire Size Box

185/35R17 vs 205/35R17

205/35R17 compared with 185/35R17

+2.5% diameter, +0.8" width

205/35R17 is 22.65" tall vs 22.10". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

22.1"17" rim2.5"7.3" wide
185/35R17 (solid) compared with 205/35R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/35R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.5 mph

205/35R17 is +0.55 inches (+2.5%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

185/35R17205/35R17Difference%
Overall diameter22.10"22.65"+0.55"+2.5%
Section width7.28"8.07"+0.79"+10.8%
Sidewall height2.55"2.82"+0.28"+10.8%
Circumference69.42"71.16"+1.73"+2.5%
Revolutions per mile912.6890.4−22.2−2.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/35R17 and you fit 205/35R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.5 mph+0.5 mph
30 mph30.7 mph+0.7 mph
40 mph41.0 mph+1.0 mph
50 mph51.2 mph+1.2 mph
60 mph61.5 mph+1.5 mph
65 mph66.6 mph+1.6 mph
70 mph71.7 mph+1.7 mph
75 mph76.9 mph+1.9 mph
80 mph82.0 mph+2.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/35R17 or 205/35R17?
205/35R17 is taller by 0.55 inches (22.65" vs 22.10"). 205/35R17 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 185/35R17 with 205/35R17?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +2.5%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 205/35R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/35R17 fitted (calibrated for 185/35R17), your real speed is 61.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 2.5%.
Will 205/35R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.28 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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