Understanding 225/45R14 Tire Size

The tire size 225/45R14 is a specific designation that provides information about the tire's dimensions and construction. Here's a breakdown of what each part of this size means:
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225: This is the tire's width in millimeters. It measures the section width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall.
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45: This is the aspect ratio, a percentage that indicates the height of the tire's sidewall as a percentage of its width. In this case, the sidewall height is 45% of the 225 mm width.
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R: This letter denotes the tire's construction type, with 'R' indicating a radial construction.
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14: This number represents the diameter of the wheel in inches that the tire is designed to fit.
How to Convert 225/45R14 Into Inches
To convert the tire dimensions from metric to imperial measurements, use the conversion factor of 25.4 mm per inch. Here's how you can calculate each dimension:
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Width: 225 mm ÷ 25.4 = 8.86 inches
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Sidewall Height: 225 mm × 0.45 = 101.25 mm ÷ 25.4 = 3.99 inches
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Overall Diameter: (2 × 101.25 mm) + (14 × 25.4 mm) = 552.1 mm ÷ 25.4 = 21.73 inches
Detailed Conversion Table

Measurement |
Metric (mm) |
Imperial (inches) |
Width |
225 |
8.86 |
Sidewall Height |
101.25 |
3.99 |
Overall Diameter |
552.1 |
21.73 |
Quick Conversion Tips
Remember the basic conversion factor: 25.4 mm equals 1 inch. For quick estimations, note that a 225 mm width is approximately 8.86 inches, and the aspect ratio helps determine the sidewall height.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
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Width: 225 mm (8.86 inches)
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Aspect Ratio: 45%
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Construction: Radial
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Wheel Diameter: 14 inches
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Overall Diameter: 552.1 mm (21.73 inches)
Compatible Vehicles for 225/45R14
The 225/45R14 tire size is commonly used for compact cars and some classic vehicles. Here are some examples:
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Mazda Miata (NA) - 1989-1997
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Honda Civic - Certain models from the 1980s and 1990s
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Volkswagen Golf - Early models
When considering fitment, ensure that the wheel's offset and width are compatible with the vehicle's specifications to avoid clearance issues.
Size Comparison and Alternatives
When looking for alternative sizes, consider the 3% rule, which suggests that the overall diameter of the new tire should not differ by more than 3% from the original size. Here are some comparable sizes:
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205/50R14
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215/45R14
FAQ Section
What is the recommended tire pressure for 225/45R14 tires?
The recommended tire pressure for 225/45R14 tires typically ranges from 30 to 35 PSI (207 to 241 kPa). Always refer to the vehicle's owner manual for the exact specifications.
Can I use a different tire size than 225/45R14?
Yes, you can use a different tire size, but it should be within a 3% variance of the original tire's overall diameter to maintain performance and safety. Consult with a tire professional to ensure compatibility.
What is the width and height of a 225/45R14 tire?
The width of a 225/45R14 tire is 225 mm (8.86 inches), and the sidewall height is approximately 101.25 mm (3.99 inches), resulting in an overall diameter of 552.1 mm (21.73 inches).