Illustrated glossary · Reading tire sizes
What does 225/65R17 mean on a tire?
225 is the tire’s nominal width in millimeters. 65 means each sidewall is 65% of that width. R means radial construction, and 17 is the wheel diameter in inches. The wheel number is not the tire’s overall height.
See how it works
Compare three size codes. Watch the rim grow while the shrinks.
Nominal size example
225 mm × 65% = 146.3 mm per sidewall. The overall diameter includes the wheel and two sidewalls. These examples keep tire height close while changing wheel size.
Nominal dimensions calculated from size codes. Actual mounted dimensions vary. The examples are not an approved substitution list; fitment, load and speed requirements need separate checks.
The middle number is a percentage
On a 225/65R17 tire, one sidewall is nominally 146.3 mm tall: 225 multiplied by 0.65. A 65 sidewall on a wider tire is taller, so the percentage alone does not describe its height.
Add two sidewalls to the wheel
Convert the 17-inch wheel to millimeters, then add the sidewall height twice. This gives about 28.5 inches overall. A larger wheel with a shorter sidewall can have almost the same overall .
The rest of the marking matters too
Load index, speed rating and markings such as LT describe other requirements. Use the vehicle’s tire placard and approved specifications. Matching the overall diameter does not establish that a tire fits or can carry the required load.
Explore it on a vehicle
Pick an equipped build to explore. Prices before .
2026 Toyota Camry
2026 Ford Bronco
- BaseStandard · 255/70R16$40,4952-door
- Big BendStandard · 255/75R17$40,9954-door
- Outer BanksStandard · 255/70R18$48,0904-door
- BadlandsStandard · 285/70R17$48,8902-door
- Stroppe EditionStandard · 315/70R17$69,9954-door
- RaptorStandard · 37x12.50R17$79,9954-door
- Heritage EditionStandard · 315/70R17$51,6254-door
About these examples
Year-specific examples from our catalogs, not a complete market list. A missing vehicle or trim does not establish that the feature is unavailable. Each illustration and link uses the shown build. Unknown prices stay unknown.
2026 Toyota Camry
Factory tire examples, not a replacement fitment list. Snow-test status is not inferred from the tread category.
2026 Ford Bronco
Factory tire examples, not a replacement fitment list. Snow-test status is not inferred from the tread category.