Sizing
Tire Sizes Explained: How to Read Them
What does 225/65R17 mean? Learn how to read tire sizes, where to find yours, and why size matters for safety and fit. Plain-English guide.
Last updated: August 2026
A tire size like 225/65R17 looks like a code, but it's straightforward once you know what each number means. The first number (225) is the width in millimeters. The second (65) is the sidewall height as a percentage of width. The last (17) is the wheel diameter in inches. That's it: width, height ratio, wheel size.
Breaking Down a Tire Size
Example: P225/65R17 99H
- P: Passenger vehicle tire. LT = Light Truck.
- 225: Section width in millimeters. This tire is 225mm (about 8.9 inches) wide from sidewall to sidewall.
- 65: Aspect ratio. The sidewall height is 65% of the width. Lower numbers = shorter sidewall = sportier look.
- R: Radial construction. Virtually all modern tires are radial.
- 17: Rim diameter in inches. This tire fits a 17-inch wheel.
- 99: Load index. How much weight the tire supports. 99 = 1,709 lbs per tire.
- H: Speed rating. The max safe speed. H = 130 mph. V = 149 mph. W = 168 mph.
Where to Find Your Tire Size
Three places to check:
- Driver's door jamb sticker. Open your driver's door and look for a white sticker on the door frame or the pillar. It lists the OEM tire size, recommended pressure, and load rating.
- Your current tire sidewall. Look at the side of any tire on your car. The size is molded into the rubber in raised lettering, usually the largest text on the sidewall.
- Our vehicle lookup tool. Enter your year, make, and model. We'll show you the OEM tire size plus any approved alternative sizes.
Most Common Tire Sizes
These are the most popular tire sizes on American roads, based on vehicle sales data:
| Tire Size | Common Vehicles | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 225/65R17 | Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback | Compact SUV |
| 205/55R16 | Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 | Compact Sedan |
| 275/65R18 | Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevy Silverado | Full-Size Truck |
| 235/55R18 | Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer | Mid-Size SUV |
| 215/55R17 | Toyota Camry, Honda Accord | Mid-Size Sedan |
Tire Sizes Explained: How to Read Them FAQ
You can use OEM-approved alternative sizes (check our vehicle lookup tool). Going significantly larger or smaller affects speedometer accuracy, handling, and can rub fenders. Stick to within 3% of the original tire's overall diameter.
R stands for Radial construction. The internal plies run perpendicular to the direction of travel. Virtually all modern passenger tires are radial. You may occasionally see D (diagonal/bias-ply) on trailers or vintage vehicles.
Yes. Lower aspect ratios (shorter sidewalls) give sharper handling but transmit more road imperfections. Higher aspect ratios (taller sidewalls) absorb bumps better for a smoother ride. This is why SUVs and trucks typically use tires with higher aspect ratios like 65 or 70.
Get the size listed on your driver's door jamb sticker. That's the manufacturer's recommended size. Rent-to-own shops stock the most popular sizes. If you're unsure, use our vehicle lookup tool or tell the shop your year, make, and model.
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