# How to Read a Tire Size: What 225/65R17 98H Means

A tire size such as 225/65R17 98H means the tire is 225 millimeters wide, its sidewall height is 65 percent of that width, it has radial (R) construction, and it fits a 17-inch wheel. The 98 is the load index (1,653 lbs per tire) and H is the speed rating (up to 130 mph). Your car's correct size and pressure are printed on the placard in the driver-side door jamb.

## Decoding 225/65R17 98H

| Part | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| 225 | Section width in millimeters |
| 65 | Aspect ratio: sidewall height is 65% of the width |
| R | Radial construction (nearly all modern tires) |
| 17 | Wheel (rim) diameter in inches |
| 98 | Load index: 1,653 lbs maximum per tire |
| H | Speed rating: 130 mph maximum |

## Common speed ratings

| Letter | Max speed |
| --- | --- |
| S | 112 mph |
| T | 118 mph |
| H | 130 mph |
| V | 149 mph |
| W | 168 mph |
| Y | 186 mph |

## Other sidewall markings

- **DOT code:** the last four digits are the week and year of manufacture ([how to read it](https://appointauto.com/guides/how-old-tires-dot-date-code/)).
- **UTQG:** treadwear (a relative number; higher lasts longer), traction (AA, A, B, C) and temperature (A, B, C).
- **M+S:** mud and snow. A three-peak mountain snowflake symbol marks tires that meet a severe-snow performance test.
- **Max press:** the tire's maximum pressure, not the pressure to run.

## Find a tire shop

- [Tire shops in Los Angeles](https://appointauto.com/tire-shops/los-angeles/) — 1 listing
- [Tire shops in Oakland](https://appointauto.com/tire-shops/oakland/) — 1 listing
- [Tire shops in San Francisco](https://appointauto.com/tire-shops/san-francisco/) — 1 listing
- [Tire shops in San Jose](https://appointauto.com/tire-shops/san-jose/) — 1 listing
- [Tire shops in Santa Clara](https://appointauto.com/tire-shops/santa-clara/) — 1 listing
- [Tire shops in Sunnyvale](https://appointauto.com/tire-shops/sunnyvale/) — 1 listing

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I use a different tire size than the original?

Only within limits. A different size changes the overall diameter, which affects the speedometer, stability systems and clearance. Stay with the size on the door placard unless a tire professional confirms a compatible alternative.

### Is it OK to use a lower speed rating?

It is not recommended. Use at least the speed rating and load index the vehicle manufacturer specifies. Winter tires are a common exception allowed by many manufacturers.

### What does LT mean on a tire?

LT stands for light truck. These tires are built for heavier loads and towing and use different load ranges and pressures than passenger (P-metric or no prefix) tires.

### Where is the recommended tire pressure?

On the placard in the driver-side door jamb and in the owner's manual. The number on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure, not the recommended one.

## Related guides

- [How Old Are My Tires? Reading the DOT Date Code](https://appointauto.com/guides/how-old-tires-dot-date-code/) — The last four digits of the DOT code show the week and year a tire was made. How old is too old, why rubber ages, and what to check on spare tires.
- [Tire Pressure Light On? What the TPMS Warning Means and What to Do](https://appointauto.com/guides/tire-pressure-tpms-light/) — A steady TPMS light means a tire is low; a flashing one means a system fault. How to check pressure, find the right psi and handle cold mornings.
- [How Much Does It Cost to Install New Tires? Mounting, Balancing and Extras](https://appointauto.com/guides/new-tire-installation-cost/) — What a tire installation includes, the extra line items to expect (valve stems, TPMS service, disposal, state tire fee), and how to compare quotes.

[Find a shop near you](https://appointauto.com/)

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Source: https://appointauto.com/guides/how-to-read-tire-size/ · Last updated 2026-10-23. Station details are compiled from public listings and can change; call the shop to confirm hours and prices before you go.