Tire Size Box

205/85R16 vs 215/75R17

215/75R17 compared with 205/85R16

−0.1% diameter, +0.4" width

215/75R17 is 29.70" tall vs 29.72". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

29.7"16" rim6.9"8.1" wide
205/85R16 (solid) compared with 215/75R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/75R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

60.0 mph

215/75R17 is −0.02 inches (−0.1%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

205/85R16215/75R17Difference%
Overall diameter29.72"29.70"−0.02"−0.1%
Section width8.07"8.46"+0.39"+4.9%
Sidewall height6.86"6.35"−0.51"−7.5%
Circumference93.37"93.30"−0.07"−0.1%
Revolutions per mile678.6679.1+0.5+0.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/85R16 and you fit 215/75R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.0 mph0.0 mph
30 mph30.0 mph0.0 mph
40 mph40.0 mph0.0 mph
50 mph50.0 mph0.0 mph
60 mph60.0 mph0.0 mph
65 mph64.9 mph−0.1 mph
70 mph69.9 mph−0.1 mph
75 mph74.9 mph−0.1 mph
80 mph79.9 mph−0.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/85R16 or 215/75R17?
205/85R16 is taller by 0.02 inches (29.72" vs 29.70"). 215/75R17 is wider by 0.39 inches.
Can I replace 205/85R16 with 215/75R17?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is −0.1%, 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 215/75R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/75R17 fitted (calibrated for 205/85R16), your real speed is 60.0 mph. Your odometer will over-count miles by about 0.1%.
Will 215/75R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: −0.01 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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