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Tire Size & Speedometer Error Calculator

Compare two tire sizes (e.g. 225/45R17 vs 235/40R18): diameter, width and sidewall differences, revolutions per mile and the speedometer error after changing tires.

How to use

  1. 1Enter your current tire size and the new size (as printed on the sidewall).
  2. 2Keep the overall diameter within about 3% to avoid speedometer and ABS issues.

How it's calculated

Sidewall = width × aspect ratio ÷ 100. Diameter = rim × 25.4 + 2 × sidewall (mm). Actual speed = indicated speed × new diameter ÷ old diameter.

Frequently asked questions

How much diameter difference is OK?

Most guides recommend staying within ±3% of the original diameter to keep speedometer, ABS and stability control accurate.

What does 225/45R17 mean?

225 mm wide, sidewall 45% of the width, radial construction, for a 17-inch rim.

Will bigger tires make my speedometer read low?

Yes — larger tires cover more ground per revolution, so you're going faster than the speedometer shows.