Skip to main content
TireShopper

225/65R17 vs 305/35R20 tire size comparison

305/35R20 is 0.1 in (0.39%) shorter than 225/65R17 and 3.1 in wider. They fit different wheels: 225/65R17 a 17-inch wheel and 305/35R20 a 20-inch wheel.

225/65R17 and 305/35R20 side by side

-0.1 in / -0.39%225/65R17: 28.5 in tall, solid line305/35R20: 28.4 in tall, dashed line225/65R17Width 8.9 in (225 mm)Sidewall 5.8 in (146 mm)305/35R20Width 12.0 in (305 mm)Sidewall 4.2 in (107 mm)
225/65R17 is drawn with a solid line and 305/35R20 with a dashed line. In each drawing both tires are to the same scale; the tread shoulder and bead curves are simplified. The table below has the same numbers.
Dimensions of 225/65R17 and 305/35R20, with the difference (305/35R20 minus 225/65R17)
Measurement225/65R17305/35R20DifferenceDifference %
Section width8.9 in (225 mm)12.0 in (305 mm)+3.1 in (+80 mm)+35.56%
Sidewall height5.8 in (146 mm)4.2 in (107 mm)-1.6 in (-39 mm)-27.01%
Wheel (rim) diameter17.0 in (432 mm)20.0 in (508 mm)+3.0 in (+76 mm)+17.65%
Overall diameter28.5 in (724 mm)28.4 in (722 mm)-0.1 in (-2 mm)-0.39%
Circumference89.6 in (2275 mm)89.2 in (2267 mm)-0.4 in (-8 mm)-0.39%
Revolutions per mile707710+3+0.39%

Differences are 305/35R20 minus 225/65R17; percentages are relative to 225/65R17. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

The overall diameter differs by 0.39%, which is within the common 3% rule of thumb.

The rule of thumb keeps a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. It covers diameter only. It is not a fit, load or safety check, because width, wheel diameter, load capacity and clearance matter too. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Speedometer difference

When the speedometer reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 225/65R17, the actual speed on 305/35R20 is about 59.8 mph. When it reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 305/35R20, the actual speed on 225/65R17 is about 60.2 mph. These figures assume the speedometer is accurate on the original size and use nominal dimensions, so treat them as estimates.

Actual speed for a given speedometer reading, 225/65R17 against 305/35R20
Speedometer readsActual on 305/35R20 (built for 225/65R17)Actual on 225/65R17 (built for 305/35R20)
20 mph19.9 mph20.1 mph
30 mph29.9 mph30.1 mph
40 mph39.8 mph40.2 mph
50 mph49.8 mph50.2 mph
60 mph59.8 mph60.2 mph
70 mph69.7 mph70.3 mph
80 mph79.7 mph80.3 mph

A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Check the tire placard on the driver's door jamb and your owner's manual for the sizes your vehicle was built for. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Which vehicles use each size?

These vehicles list the size among their verified sizes, by trim. Open one to see all of its sizes.

Check it in the calculator

The calculator takes the same two sizes and shows the full comparison, or lets you swap either one for another size.

Open this comparison in the calculator

Shop for 225/65R17 or 305/35R20 tires

Confirm the size on your tire sidewall or door placard first. These links open each store's own search; prices and stock are on their sites.

We may earn a commission if you buy through these links. It doesn't change the price you pay. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Other comparisons with 225/65R17

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 225/65R17 in overall diameter.

Other comparisons with 305/35R20

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 305/35R20 in overall diameter.

You might also need

Paid links to Amazon search results. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read our affiliate disclosure.