Tire Size Box

215/40R17 vs 205/45R17

205/45R17 compared with 215/40R17

+2.1% diameter, −0.4" width

205/45R17 is 24.26" tall vs 23.77". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

23.8"17" rim3.4"8.5" wide
215/40R17 (solid) compared with 205/45R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/45R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.2 mph

205/45R17 is +0.49 inches (+2.1%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

215/40R17205/45R17Difference%
Overall diameter23.77"24.26"+0.49"+2.1%
Section width8.46"8.07"−0.39"−4.7%
Sidewall height3.39"3.63"+0.25"+7.3%
Circumference74.68"76.23"+1.55"+2.1%
Revolutions per mile848.4831.2−17.2−2.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/40R17 and you fit 205/45R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.4 mph+0.4 mph
30 mph30.6 mph+0.6 mph
40 mph40.8 mph+0.8 mph
50 mph51.0 mph+1.0 mph
60 mph61.2 mph+1.2 mph
65 mph66.3 mph+1.3 mph
70 mph71.4 mph+1.4 mph
75 mph76.6 mph+1.6 mph
80 mph81.7 mph+1.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/40R17 or 205/45R17?
205/45R17 is taller by 0.49 inches (24.26" vs 23.77"). 215/40R17 is wider by 0.39 inches.
Can I replace 215/40R17 with 205/45R17?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +2.1%, 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 205/45R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/45R17 fitted (calibrated for 215/40R17), your real speed is 61.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 2.1%.
Will 205/45R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.25 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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