215 65r17 vs 225 65r17 Tire Size: Visible Comparison

Tires come in various sizes and brands. Many users find it challenging to differentiate between the different models of these products on the road. That should not be the case anymore as in this article, we will do a comparison between 215 65r17 vs 225 65r17 tire size.

As we delve into the nitty gritty of these products, we will seek to define each tire and do a comparison table for a quick analysis.

We shall present our findings in questions and answers for ease of comprehension and analysis. There will also be an FAQ section that handles a few questions about these products. Please follow through for more information.

What is 215/65r17?

It is a tire for use in vehicles. Each of the numbers and letters in the name composition has its meaning. In the above case:

215 represents the width of the tire, and it is in millimeters. 65 stands for the aspect ratio of the tire or the profile. In real terms, it means that the sidewall height is 65% of the thread width.

17 means the wheel diameter on which it is mounted. R stands for the radial construction of the tire. The tire has an overall diameter of 28 inches representing the outer diameter of the tire height.

The meaning of 225/65r17

It is a tire for use in vehicles. Each of the numbers and letters in the name composition has its meaning. In the above case:

225 represents the width of the tire and it is measured in millimeters. 65 stands for the aspect ratio of the tire or the profile. In real terms, it means that the sidewall height is 65% of the thread width.

17 means the wheel diameter on which it is mounted. R stands for the radial construction of the tire. The tire has an overall diameter of 28.5 inches representing the outer diameter of the of the tire height.

The comparison table of 215 65r17 vs 225 65r17 Tire Size

215 65r17 vs 225 65r17 Tire Size

Features 215/65r17 Tire225/65r17 Tire
Sidewall height5.5 inches5.7 inches
Revolutions per km721708
Wheel size28 inches28.5 inches
The circumference87.9 inches89.5 inches
Overall Diameter28 inches28.5 inches
Speed rating118 mph130 mph
The section width8.5 inches8.9 inches
Weight rating1,709 pounds1,819 pounds
Rim width8.5 inches8.9 inches
The tire width8.5 inches8.9 inches
Construction typeRadialRadial
The load rating1,709 pounds1,874 pounds
Ply ratings4 plies4 plies
Sidewall lettersAs per the manufacturerAs per the manufacturer

What are the differences between the sidewall height of 215/65r17 and 225/65r17?

It refers to the sidewall height when you measure from the top of the tread to the wheel rim. The measurement is always in a percentage of the tire width.

In our example, the aspect ratio is 65. It means the sidewall height is 65% as high as the width of the tire. To calculate the height, convert the tire width (215 and 225) to inches.

215/65r17 has a sidewall height of 5.5 inches, while the 225/65r17 has 5.7 inches. The difference between the two is 0.2 inches.

How many revolutions per kilometer does each of them cover?

It refers to the number of rotations a tire makes in every kilometer. The speed level determines how many of them can a vehicle accomplish within a certain distance.

The size of the tire can also impact the number of revolutions a tire can make. In our case, 215/65r17 turns 721 times per kilometer. On the other hand, 225/65r17 goes at 708 times per kilometer.

What are the wheel sizes and the differences between them?

It is the designation of a wheel as measured by its diameter, offset, and width. The diameter of the wheel is that of the cylindrical surface that the tire bead rides.

The inside distance between the bead seat is the width. 215/65r17 has a size of 28 inches, while 225/65r17 has 28.5 inches. The difference between them is 0.5 inches.

What is the circumference of 215/65r17 vs 225/65r17?

Circumference refers to the outer distance or boundary of a circular geometric figure like a tire. While the diameter cuts across the center, the circumference follows the edges of the product.

215/65r17 has a circumference of 87.9 inches, and 225/65r17 has 89.5 inches, making a difference of 1.6 inches.

What is the difference between the overall diameter of the two tires?

A diameter is a straight line through the center of a circular object or a sphere, meeting the circumference at either end. The line goes from side to side on the figure through the middle.

The difference in the overall diameter between the two is 0.5 inches, with 215/65r17 having 28 inches and 225/65r17 having 28.5 inches.

Which one among 215/65r17 vs 225/65r17 has the highest speed rating?

The speed rating is the maximum speed a tire can achieve while on the move. It also means the fastest speed a tire can handle.

225/65r17 moves at a top speed of 130 mph, while 215/65r17 can attain the highest of 118 mph. The difference in speed rating between the two tires is 12 mph.

Which one has the largest section width between the two?

It is also known as cross-section width and refers to the measurement of the tire’s linear width from the sidewall to the other. However, it does not include protective ribs, ornamentation, and raised letters.

215/65r17 has a section width of 8.5 inches, while 225/65r17 has 8.9 inches, making a difference of 0.1 inches.

What is the difference in the weight rating between the first and the second?

It refers to the maximum total safe weight of the vehicle, counting that of the car when empty (curb weight) and that of the cargo, fuel, passengers, and of tow trailer (tongue weight).

215/65r17 has a weight rating of 1,709 pounds, while 225/65r17 has 1,819 pounds, a difference of 110 pounds.

Which one between the two has the biggest rim width, and what is the difference?

The rim width refers to the distance across the rim from one edge to the other. You can measure it from the outer circumference to the other through the center.

215/65r17 has a rim width of 8.5 inches, while 225/65r17 has 8.9 inches, a difference of 0.4 inches. We can, therefore, say that 225/65r17 has the biggest rim width.

What is the tire width of 215/65r17 vs 225/65r17?

It is the measurement from one sidewall to another. In this case, you do not measure through the center but across the upper surface.

215/65r17 has a tire width of 8.5 inches, while 225/65r17 has 8.9 inches. The difference between the two is 0.4 inches.

What is the construction type of both tires?

It refers to the material used in the construction of the tire. Inside the tire is a network of plies or cords, usually referred to as the tire carcass.

It is normally a product of steel, polyester, and other textiles, and then it is reinforced with rubber. Both tires have a radial construction design.

What is the load rating of 215/65r17 vs 225/65r17?

It refers to the amount of weight that each tire can support. You can always find it stamped onto the sidewall of the tire.

Look for the load rating immediately after the words “Max Load” on the sidewall of the tire. The units of measurement can be in pounds (lbs.) or kilograms (kgs.).

The load rating of 215/65r17 is 1,709 pounds, while that of 225/65r17 is 1,874 pounds. The difference between the two is 165 pounds.

What is the ply rating of the two, and the difference?

Ply rating is the number that correlates to the maximum carrying capacity of the tire when inflated to the maximum.

Every tire has a maximum psi, and the higher load index means a heavy load on the tire. There is no difference in ply ratings between the two tires.

What are the sidewall letters on each type of the tire?

On both tires, the sidewall has letters imprinted, describing various aspects of the tire. They show the construction type, load capacity, aspect ratio, and tire size.

Also Read: 215 55R17 vs 215 50R17 Tire Size – Comparison Guide

Frequently asked questions

Can I Use 215/65r17 Instead Of 225/65r17 On My Vehicle?

Yes, it is possible. 215/65r17 is 10mm thinner than 225/65r17. It is also 6.5mm shorter than the 225 models.

The difference between the two is minimal, and you may not notice any easily when driving. You can use the two tires interchangeably.

How Tall Are The Two Tires?

The tires have a height of 5.5 and 5.7 inches.225/65r17 is slightly taller than the 215/65r17 and is also superior in terms of other factors. They include weight and load ratings, diameter, overall size, and others.

Are 215 Tires Taller Than 225?

Yes. The 225 models are taller than the 215 ones by about 0.2 inches. Their width is measured in millimeters. 225 is wider than 215, but in aspect ratio, 215 has a higher profile.

The difference between the two tires is not much, and you may not notice it easily when driving.

Do Taller Tires Increase Speed?

No, it might not necessarily mean that taller tires increase speed. The bigger the car will reduce acceleration. However, when it achieves top speeds, it will move faster.

Increasing the diameter of the wheel increases the final reduction ratio, with two outcomes. These are the reduction in speed and achievement of top speeds with ease.

Also Read: 215 45r17 vs 215 50r17 Tire Size – Checked Comparison

Conclusion

215/65r17 vs 225/65r17 has a lot of similarities than differences. The most notable difference is that one is class 215, and the other is 225.

Looking at the comparison table above, you will notice that the difference is not much. However, which is the best model for your vehicle?

When buying one for your car, there is a need to consider several aspects, but there is no doubt that 225/65r17 is superior to 215/65r17. Best of luck as you buy one!

I am an engineer and the chief editor of tireslover.com, I am a passionate blogger as well. I am the person who can ensure a perfect, informative, honest, and helpful, guide with 10 years of work experience with different varieties of tires.

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