Tire Size Box

215/65R20 vs 225/65R20

225/65R20 compared with 215/65R20

+1.7% diameter, +0.4" width

225/65R20 is 31.52" tall vs 31.00". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

31.0"20" rim5.5"8.5" wide
215/65R20 (solid) compared with 225/65R20 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/65R20 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.0 mph

225/65R20 is +0.51 inches (+1.7%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

215/65R20225/65R20Difference%
Overall diameter31.00"31.52"+0.51"+1.7%
Section width8.46"8.86"+0.39"+4.7%
Sidewall height5.50"5.76"+0.26"+4.7%
Circumference97.40"99.01"+1.61"+1.7%
Revolutions per mile650.5639.9−10.6−1.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/65R20 and you fit 225/65R20, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.3 mph+0.3 mph
30 mph30.5 mph+0.5 mph
40 mph40.7 mph+0.7 mph
50 mph50.8 mph+0.8 mph
60 mph61.0 mph+1.0 mph
65 mph66.1 mph+1.1 mph
70 mph71.2 mph+1.2 mph
75 mph76.2 mph+1.2 mph
80 mph81.3 mph+1.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/65R20 or 225/65R20?
225/65R20 is taller by 0.51 inches (31.52" vs 31.00"). 225/65R20 is wider by 0.39 inches.
Can I replace 215/65R20 with 225/65R20?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +1.7%, 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 225/65R20 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/65R20 fitted (calibrated for 215/65R20), your real speed is 61.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 1.7%.
Will 225/65R20 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.26 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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