Plus Sizing 101

Thursday, June 9, 2011 by Gary Stanley
After many years of working at Tire Rack, I find that it can sometimes be easy to take for granted some of the information and concepts that I use on a daily basis. One such concept called plus sizing may be well known in the tire industry, however many consumers aren't familiar with how it works.

What is plus sizing?

Plus sizing is the process of using larger diameter wheels mounted with lower profile tires.

Why plus size?

The purpose for using lower profile tires in plus sizing is twofold. First, doing so maintains the overall diameter of the Tire & Wheel Package. This is important to keep the accuracy of your odometer, speedometer and other vehicle instrumentations. Second, plus sizing with a lower profile tire often leads to more responsive handling and a better cosmetic appearance.

The Plus Concept - Tech Article

Notice that while the wheel diameter increases, the tire profile decreases. It's that simple.

You don't have to do the math on your own! Our website fitment specialists already know what size to use on your vehicle. 

Comments on Plus Sizing 101

Monday, November 14, 2011 by Tony:
Do larger tires, such as 20 inch, wear faster that, let's say 18 or 17 inch tires?
Monday, November 14, 2011 by Gary:
Not necessarily. The type of tire (such as summer performance or all-season) has more of an effect on wear than the tire size.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 by Colleen:
What is the widest I can go on a 2013 Honda Cr-V LX. New rims and tires, without voiding the warranty. Vehicle is driven in the Chicagoland area, if that has any consideration in the decision.
Thanks!!
Thursday, December 13, 2012 by Gary:
Colleen,

I cannot speak for a manufacturers vehicle warranty, but the widest size we've used on the 2013 Honda CR-V on the factory 17" wheel is 235/65R17.
Friday, December 28, 2012 by Mandy:
My car's tire profile is 195/60R15. Can I use 195/65R15 for snow tires? Without buying new rims? (2005 Honda civic si two doors) thanks!
Friday, December 28, 2012 by Gary:
Mandy,

The Plus sizing concept in this blog is about using larger diameter wheels. We have not tried taller tires on your OE wheels for this vehicle so I am not sure if that size will fit, sorry.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 by tenz:
I am running on 225/65/17 (2009 Honda CRV LX, Can I use rims from 2008 honda civic si? Will I run into trouble later on. Thanks.
Saturday, January 5, 2013 by Nabs:
I am using stock wheels in my Mitsubishi lancer. The size is 205/60R16. I'm thinking of upsizing it to 17" or 18" rims but I'm worried that it could result in uncomfortable ride as our roads are made of interlocking blocks. Please advice if I should stick to 16 or upsize.
Monday, January 7, 2013 by Gary:
Nabs,

Each step up in wheel diameter will result in a firmer ride. If ride quality is of utmost importance, stick with 16".
Thursday, January 24, 2013 by Charles:
Can you fit a 225/45R17 on a 17x8'' wheel that had 235/45R17 stock?
Thursday, January 24, 2013 by Gary:
Charles,

225/45R17 tires will indeed fit on 17X8" wheels.
Monday, February 4, 2013 by Lané:
I have a '98 malibu with 15 inch tires. If I install 16 inch factory tires from a 2006 Impala onto the malibu, what could be the disadvantages?
Monday, February 4, 2013 by Gary:
Lane,

When going to 16" on a 1998 Chevy Malibu, the correct tire sizes would be either 205/55R16 or 225/50R16. I do not have compatibility information on Chevy original wheels, sorry.
Friday, February 8, 2013 by Chris gibbs:
What size wheels and tyres can fit grand Cherokee 2003 4.7 litre,
I have 225/65/17 at the moment ,and what is the purpose of spacers?
Friday, February 8, 2013 by Chris gibbs:
Sorry tire size is235/65/17
Friday, February 8, 2013 by Gary:
A variety of wheels fit the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee up to 22". We do not sell spacers.

You can check out the complete list of wheel sizes and styles we carry that fit here :

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/wtpack.jsp?affiliate=FH8
Saturday, February 9, 2013 by Rudy:
Hi,
Driving a 2011 Camry LE with 215/60R16 wheels. Could I put 225/50R17 tires on these? If so, what would the effect be and what would I have to consider? Thanks!
Sunday, February 10, 2013 by Quintus:
I have an 08 civic coupe LX it has stock tires on it. my friend gave me two P225/50R17 and two P235/55R17 tires. why would they be different sized? also would that size fit on my car? or would i have to get a different size for that 17inch rim compatible with my car?
Monday, February 11, 2013 by John:
2013 Honda Accord LX. Can you switch to 17" wheels or a different size 16" to make the clearance from the bottom of front bumper to ground higher. Would changing from 16" original tires to a different size affect the suspension balance or other factors?
Monday, February 11, 2013 by Gary:
Rudy,

Yes, if you purchase 17" wheels, the 225/50R17 size is recommended. Since this size maintains about the same overall diameter, there would be no negative affects on speedometer/odometer or other vehicle instrumentation.

Shop Wheel and Tire Packages by vehicle here http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/wtpack.jsp?affiliate=FH8
Monday, February 11, 2013 by Gary:
Quintus,

Those sizes are much too tall for the 2008 Honda Civic. If you plus size to 17", stick with 215/45R17 or 225/45R17.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/wtpack.jsp?affiliate=FH8
Monday, February 11, 2013 by Gary:
John,

Plus sizing or minus sizing does not change the overall diameter (total height) of the tires, so clearances would not be changed.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 by Chase:
I have a 2003 Ford Mustang with 16'rims i want to put 17' rims on it what would be the advantage or disadvantage? also what size of tire should i use for a rim that is 17x8.5?
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 by Gary:
Chase,

We would recommend size 245/45R17 or 255/45R17 on the 2003 Ford Mustang. These wider and lower profile sizes will ride more firmly but increase handling capability and cornering grip.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/tires/index.jsp?affiliate=FH8
Thursday, February 21, 2013 by Sina:
Could I do a 245/50 r17 on my 2005 Acura TL which comes with 235/45 r17?
Thanks
Saturday, February 23, 2013 by David:
I have a 2013 Subaru Impreza Sport Limited which is 205/50r17 and was wondering if 225/45r17 would have any issues
Monday, February 25, 2013 by Gary:
Sina,

We aren't sure if the taller and wider 245/50R17 will fit properly on the 2005 Acura TL. The largest that we have fit with success has been 245/45R17.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/tires/index.jsp?affiliate=FH8
Monday, February 25, 2013 by Gary:
David,

Yes, you can indeed use 225/45R17 on your 2013 Subaru Impreza Sport Limited with no problem. This wider size is a common upgrade.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/tires/index.jsp?affiliate=FH8
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 by ryan:
i own a 2003 chevy malibu and looking at rims to replace winter tires... I have found a pair of pontiac (grand am/prix) 225/50/16... can i use this tire for my car
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 by Gary:
Ryan,

The tire size 225/50R16 will indeed fit the 2003 Chevy Malibu if you find properly fitting 16" wheels.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013 by Adi:
Could I change to a 215/45z r17 on my 2007 Honda Civic Sedan DX which comes with 195/65 r15?
Thanks
Wednesday, March 27, 2013 by Gary:
Adi,

Yes, with properly fitting 17" wheels, you can indeed use tire size 215/45R17 on the 2007 Honda Civic Sedan DX .

http://www.tirerack.com/snow/changeover.jsp?affiliate=FH8
Wednesday, April 17, 2013 by rej:
Can I put a 215 60 16 tire on a 2006 passat? I currently have 215 55 16 tires.
Thursday, April 18, 2013 by Gary:
rej,

215/60R16 is a bit taller than we've tried to fit on a 2006 VW Passat so I am not sure if it will fit without rubbing.
Saturday, May 4, 2013 by bill:
Will size 245/50r 17 fit 2011 malibu 1LT. Height is slightly taller but will it rub on inside by front struts? Current tire oe 215/55r 17
Monday, May 6, 2013 by Gary:
Bill,

The largest that we have tried on the 2011 Malibu is 235/50R17, so I am not sure if the 245/50R17 would fit.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/tires/index.jsp?affiliate=FH8
Sunday, May 19, 2013 by nyko:
my 2013 jetta se needs upgraded wheels...came with stock 16" wheels and 205/55r16 tires, i would like to upgrade to biggest size tire/wheel package that will close some wheel gap...thanks
Monday, May 20, 2013 by Gary:
Nyko,

The largest combination we've run successfully on the 2013 VW Jetta SE would be a 19" wheel with tire size 235/35R19.

Shop wheel and tire packages for your car here : http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/wtpack.jsp?affiliate=FH8

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