Plus sizing is the art of going to a bigger wheel without messing up your speedometer, gearing, or ride. Done right, a plus-one or plus-two upgrade sharpens handling and transforms how your truck or SUV looks. Done wrong, you get rubbing, a harsh ride, and a speedometer that lies to you.
This guide explains how plus sizing works, the simple math that keeps your overall diameter correct, and the trade-offs to weigh before you jump two sizes.
What Is Plus Sizing?
Plus sizing means increasing wheel diameter while decreasing tire sidewall height (aspect ratio) so the overall diameter of the wheel-and-tire package stays close to stock. Moving from a 17" wheel to a 19" wheel is a "plus-two" upgrade.
Why keep overall diameter constant? Because your speedometer, odometer, gear ratios, ABS, and traction control were all calibrated for the factory rolling diameter. Stay within about 3% of stock diameter and everything keeps working as designed.
The Plus Sizing Formula (Simple Version)
- Add inches to the wheel, subtract sidewall from the tire. Going from a 17" wheel to a 20" wheel? You need a tire with roughly 1.5" less sidewall height to compensate.
- Go wider carefully. Wider wheels and tires improve grip but need the right offset to clear suspension and fenders, check our Chevrolet wheels fitment notes if you're widening a Silverado or Tahoe.
- Verify load rating. Low-profile tires and larger wheels must still carry your vehicle's weight, critical on trucks that tow. Never plus-size below your factory load index.
Pros and Cons of Bigger Wheels
Upsides: sharper steering response (less sidewall flex), bigger brake clearance, and, let's be honest, the look. A 20" or 22" wheel fills the wheel well the way the designers sketched it.
Trade-offs: shorter sidewalls transmit more road harshness, wheels are more vulnerable to pothole damage, and larger-diameter tires typically cost more to replace. Fuel economy can dip slightly with heavier wheel-and-tire combos.
The sweet spot for most daily-driven trucks and SUVs is plus-one or plus-two: noticeable transformation without the ride penalty of an extreme setup. Our Toyota wheels and Ram wheels collections include popular 20" upgrades sized for factory-correct overall diameter.
Common Plus Sizing Mistakes
- Ignoring overall diameter. A 22" wheel with the wrong tire can throw your speedometer off by 5%+, at 70 mph indicated. That's a real 73+. Always compare the full package diameter to stock.
- Forgetting TPMS. Your tire pressure sensors need to transfer to the new wheels (or be replaced). Budget for new sensors or a swap-over service.
- Skipping the test fit. Check clearance at full steering lock, over bumps, and with the suspension compressed, especially if you've also leveled or lifted the truck.
- Mixing diameters. On AWD/4WD vehicles, all four wheel-and-tire packages must match in overall diameter, or you'll damage the transfer case and differentials.
Plus Sizing FAQ
Will bigger wheels affect my speedometer?
Only if the overall diameter changes. Keep the full wheel-and-tire diameter within 3% of stock and your speedometer stays accurate.
What is the biggest wheel I can put on my truck?
It depends on your model, suspension, and how much trimming you're willing to do. Most stock-height full-size trucks comfortably take a plus-two upgrade (e.g., 17" to 20"); leveled or lifted trucks can go further. Check the fitment notes in our Chevrolet and Ram collections.
Do bigger wheels hurt ride quality?
They can, because shorter sidewalls absorb less. Plus-one is barely noticeable; plus-three on rough roads you'll feel. Quality tires with a compliant sidewall help a lot.
Can I reuse my factory tires on bigger wheels?
No. Tire bead diameter must match wheel diameter exactly. A 17" tire cannot mount on an 18" wheel. Plus sizing always means new tires sized for the new wheel.
Ready to go bigger? Start with wheels engineered for your exact vehicle: browse our Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ram fitment collections, and double-check overall diameter against stock before you order.