SidewallerTire & wheel calculators

235/45R17 vs 205/55R17

205/55R17 is 2.2% taller (+0.55 in) and 1.18 in narrower than 235/45R17.

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Close match

205/55R17 is 2.2% taller than 235/45R17. That is inside the ±3% most shops treat as a straight swap.

235/45R17205/55R17Change
Diameter25.33″25.88″+0.55″+2.2%
Width9.25″8.07″−1.18″−12.8%
Sidewall4.16″4.44″+0.28″+6.6%
Circumference79.6″81.3″+1.7″+2.2%
Wheel17″17″Same
Revs per mile796779−17
SideTread
235/45R17205/55R17
Speedometer shows 60 mph61.3mph

Real speed on 205/55R17.

Ground clearance+0.28in

Change in height under the axle.

Width per side−0.59in

On the same wheel, split inboard and outboard.

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235/45R17 or 205/55R17?

Can I use 205/55R17 instead of 235/45R17?

205/55R17 is 2.2% taller than 235/45R17. That is inside the ±3% most shops treat as a straight swap. Also match or beat the original load index and speed rating, and check that the wheel width suits the new tire.

Will my speedometer be off?

At an indicated 60 mph on 205/55R17 you are really doing 61.3 mph if the speedometer was set up for 235/45R17. Going the other way, 235/45R17 would make it read 58.7 mph at a real 60.

How much ground clearance does it change?

Half the diameter difference: +0.28 in (+7 mm) under the axle.

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