A 225/55R17 tire is about 26.7 inches tall and 8.9 inches wide. It fits a 17-inch wheel. It is a common size on midsize sedans and compact crossovers in the USA.
This guide covers the 225/55R17 tire dimensions, the cars that use them, safe swap options, and what 225/55R17 tires cost. Every figure comes from standard tire math, so you can check it yourself.
225/55R17 Tire Size in Inches
| Measurement | Inches | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 26.74 in | 679 mm |
| Section width | 8.86 in | 225 mm |
| Sidewall height | 4.87 in | 124 mm |
| Circumference | 84.0 in | 2,134 mm |
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 432 mm |
| Revolutions per mile | 754 | n/a |
| Approved rim width | 6.0 to 8.0 in | 152 to 203 mm |
These are the standard figures for a 225/55R17 tire. Real tires vary by a small amount between brands and tread designs.
What Does 225/55R17 Mean?
- 225 is the section width in millimeters. It is measured from one sidewall to the other. Divide by 25.4 and you get 8.86 inches.
- 55 is the aspect ratio. The sidewall is 55% as tall as the tire is wide. That gives 225 x 0.55 = 123.75 mm, or 4.87 inches.
- R means radial construction. 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. It must match your wheel exactly.
The overall height follows from this: 2 x 123.75 mm + 431.8 mm = 679.3 mm. That is 26.74 inches.
Load Index and Speed Rating on 225/55R17 Tires
You will often see a code after the size, like 97H or 101V. This is the service description. The number is the load index. A 97 carries up to 1,609 lb per tire. A 101 carries up to 1,819 lb.
The letter is the speed rating. H is good for 130 mph. V is 149 mph. W is 168 mph. Y is 186 mph. You may also see SL or XL. SL means standard load. XL means extra load, with a higher pressure and load capacity.
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Tire Pressure for 225/55R17 Tires
Do not use the number on the tire sidewall. That is the maximum pressure, not the right one.
Your correct tire pressure is on the door-jamb placard. Check it monthly, when the tires are cold.
Federal rules have required a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on new U.S. passenger vehicles since the 2008 model year. If your light comes on, check the pressure first.
What Cars Use 225/55R17 Tires?
The 225/55R17 size is a factory fit on many popular models. Fitment depends on the trim and model year. These are typical examples:
- Toyota Camry
- Honda CR-V
- Chevrolet Equinox and Malibu
- Ford Fusion and Escape
- Nissan Altima and Rogue
- Subaru Forester and Outback
- Volkswagen Tiguan
The 55-series sidewall gives a soft ride on rough roads. It also keeps good steering response. That is why carmakers pick it for family cars.
How to Confirm 225/55R17 Fitment
Check these three places, in this order:
- The door-jamb placard
- The current tire sidewall
- The owner’s manual
If you change the wheel size, your TPMS sensors may need reprogramming. Ask the shop before you buy.
Best Wheel Width for 225/55R17 Tires
A 225/55R17 tire is approved for 6.0 to 8.0 inch wheels. Most cars sit near the middle of that range. A wheel that is too narrow pinches the tire. One that is too wide stretches it. Both can hurt handling and wear.
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225/55R17 vs Other Tire Sizes
Safe and Unsafe Alternatives to 225/55R17
| Size | Diameter | Change | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215/55R17 | 26.3 in | -1.6% | Safe |
| 235/55R17 | 27.2 in | +1.6% | Safe |
| 225/50R17 | 25.9 in | -3.3% | Just outside |
| 225/65R17 | 28.5 in | +6.6% | Not safe |
The 3% Rule for Tire Size Swaps
A new tire should stay within 3% of the original overall diameter.
Your speedometer, odometer, ABS, and traction control all read wheel speed. A big size change throws their readings off.
For a 225/55R17, the safe window is about 25.9 to 27.5 inches.
Plus and Minus Sizing From 225/55R17
Plus sizing means a bigger wheel with a shorter sidewall. The goal is to keep the same overall height. 225/50R18 is 26.9 inches tall. That is only +0.4% from your stock size.
Minus sizing goes the other way. 225/60R16 is 26.6 inches, or -0.4%. Many drivers pick it for winter, since a taller sidewall resists potholes.
In both cases, check the load index, brake clearance, and wheel width. Keep all four tires matched, mainly on AWD cars.
More Post: 235/65R17 Tire Size
225/55R17 Tire Price and Best Tire Types
How Much Do 225/55R17 Tires Cost?
Prices vary by type and brand.
- Budget all-season: about $90 to $130
- Mid-range touring and all-weather: about $150 to $200
- Premium performance and run-flat: $260 and up
A full set is price x 4. Add mounting, balancing, and TPMS service. Check current prices, since they change often.
Best 225/55R17 Tire Types by Driving Need
- All-season touring: best for daily commuting and a quiet ride
- All-weather: carries the 3-peak mountain snowflake mark, so it handles light snow
- Winter: best for cold regions with regular snow and ice
- Summer and ultra-high performance: best for sharp grip in warm weather
- Run-flat: keep these only if your car came with them
Leading brands in this size include Michelin, Continental, Pirelli, Hankook, and Kumho.
What to Check Before Buying 225/55R17 Tires
Look at four details on every tire:
- Treadwear warranty: often 40,000 to 80,000 miles
- UTQG rating: a higher treadwear number means a longer-lasting tire
- DOT date code: the last four digits show the week and year it was made
- Tread depth: most states set the legal minimum at 2/32 inch
Most carmakers advise replacing tires by six years of age, even if the tread looks fine.
More Post: 275/65R18 Tire Size
FAQ’s About 225/55R17 Tire Size
What size is a 225/55R17 tire in inches?
A 225/55R17 tire is about 26.7 inches tall and 8.9 inches wide. It mounts on a 17-inch wheel and has a 4.9-inch sidewall.
What cars use 225/55R17 tires?
Many midsize sedans and crossovers use this size. Examples include the Camry, CR-V, Equinox, Altima, and Forester. Always confirm on your door-jamb placard.
How much do 225/55R17 tires cost?
Budget tires start near $90 each. Premium touring and all-weather tires run $150 to $200. Performance and run-flat tires cost $260 or more.
What are the best 225/55R17 tire brands?
Michelin, Continental, Pirelli, and Hankook are strong picks. Kumho is a good value choice. Your climate and driving style matter most.
Is H or V better for 225/55R17 tires?
V is the higher rating at 149 mph. H is rated at 130 mph. Choose the rating that matches or beats your factory spec.
Can I replace 225/55R17 with 225/65R17?
No. The 225/65R17 is about 6.6% taller. That breaks the 3% rule and skews your speedometer and safety systems.
What is the 3% rule for tires?
The 3% rule says a new tire’s overall diameter should stay within 3% of the old one. This keeps your speedometer, ABS, and traction control accurate.
Is 225/55R17 the same as 225/55R19?
No. The R19 is built for a 19-inch wheel. It will not fit a 17-inch wheel.
How many miles do 225/55R17 tires last?
Most last about 40,000 to 80,000 miles. The tire’s treadwear warranty, your driving habits, and your tire pressure all affect this.
I’m Richard Hayes, a content researcher and writer at TireMeasurements.com, specializing in measurements, tire measurements, tire sizing, wheel fitment, and related automotive topics.
