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Tire Size Calculator & Speedometer Error / Gearing Comparison

Compare a stock and a new tire size: diameter, width, sidewall, circumference, revs per mile and speedometer error. Optionally see the effective gear ratio and engine RPM at speed. Runs in your browser.

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Tire sizes

Formats: metric (225/65R17, P225/65R17, LT265/70R17) or flotation (33x12.50R15).

Speedometer error

Assumes the speedometer is calibrated to the stock size.

Gearing & RPM (optional)

RPM ≈ mph × axle × gear × 336 ÷ tire diameter (in). Ignores torque-converter slip and tire growth or squat, so treat it as approximate.

How to use

  1. Enter the stock (or current) tire size and the size you're considering.
  2. Check the diameter difference. Many techs keep it within about ±3% to avoid speedometer, ABS and transmission-shift issues, but check the vehicle manufacturer's guidance and tire fitment data.
  3. Use the speedometer table to show the customer the real speed at each indicated speed.
  4. Add the axle ratio to see the effective gear ratio and how much RPM changes at highway speed.

FAQ

How is tire diameter calculated from the size?

For a metric size like 225/65R17, sidewall height = 225 mm × 65% = 146 mm (5.76 in), and diameter = rim (17 in) + 2 × sidewall, or about 28.5 in. Flotation sizes like 33x12.50R15 state the diameter (33 in) directly. These are nominal figures; actual tires vary by brand and tread depth.

How much bigger can I go without problems?

A common rule of thumb is staying within about ±3% of the stock diameter, but clearance, load rating, ABS/stability systems and the manufacturer's guidance matter more. Check fitment data for the specific vehicle.

Why does my speedometer read wrong with bigger tires?

A larger tire travels farther per revolution, so the vehicle goes faster than the speedometer shows. The table shows actual speed at each indicated speed, assuming the speedometer was accurate on the stock size.

What does effective gear ratio mean?

Larger tires act like a numerically lower (taller) axle ratio. The calculator shows the effective ratio with the new tires and the ratio you'd need to restore stock RPM.

Is this exact?

No. It uses nominal dimensions. Real tire diameter, tire growth, loaded radius and converter slip all vary, so use it for comparison and customer explanations, not for calibration.

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