GarageCalc What 225/65R17 means
225 is the section width in millimeters (8.9 in). 65 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 65 percent of the width, so 225 × 0.65 = 146 mm (5.8 in). R is radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches (432 mm). Stack two sidewalls on the wheel and you get the overall diameter: 432 + 2 × 146 = 724 mm, or 28.5 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 225/65R17 91V. Those two codes set how much weight and speed the tire is certified for; look them up in the load index chart and the speed rating chart.
Plus and minus sizing from 225/65R17
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 245/55R18 at +0.3% diameter with a 135 mm sidewall instead of 146 mm. Going down one size, 225/70R16 is -0.4% with a taller 158 mm sidewall for more comfort and pothole margin. Anything inside 3 percent keeps the speedometer, ABS and gearing effectively stock; the comparison calculator shows the full speedometer table for any pair.
Which cars come with 225/65R17
Typical factory fitments include Honda CR-V (2007-2016), Toyota RAV4 (2013 on, base trims), Nissan Rogue (2014-2020) and Mazda CX-5 (2013-2016). Tire size changes with trim and wheel option, so confirm on the door-jamb placard before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a 225/65R17 tire?
28.5 inches (724 mm) in overall diameter: the 17-inch wheel (432 mm) plus two 146 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 225/65R17 in inches?
28.5 x 8.9 R17: 28.5 inches tall, 8.9 inches wide, on a 17-inch wheel. The sidewall is 5.8 inches and the circumference is 89.6 inches, so the tire turns 707 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 225/65R17?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 17-inch wheel: 235/60R17 (-1.4%), 215/65R17 (-1.8%), 235/65R17 (+1.8%); on an 18-inch wheel: 245/55R18 (+0.3%), 225/60R18 (+0.4%); on a 16-inch wheel: 225/70R16 (-0.4%), 215/75R16 (+0.6%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 235/60R17 instead of 225/65R17?
Dimensionally yes: 235/60R17 is 1.4% shorter (-11 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 60.9 mph. The extra width needs about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 235 mm.