The numerical expression of a tire’s section height as a percentage of its section width serves as a critical dimension in understanding its overall profile. This ratio, derived by dividing the height of the tire’s sidewall by its width and then multiplying by 100, provides a standardized measure of its cross-sectional shape. For example, a tire marked with “225/50R17” indicates a section width of 225 millimeters and a section height that is 50% of that width, resulting in a sidewall height of 112.5 millimeters.
This proportion significantly influences a vehicle’s handling, ride comfort, and aesthetics. Lower ratios typically offer improved cornering stability and responsiveness due to a shorter, stiffer sidewall. Conversely, higher ratios generally provide a smoother, more comfortable ride by allowing the tire to absorb more road imperfections. Historically, higher values were more common, reflecting a prioritization of ride quality. Modern automotive engineering increasingly utilizes lower numbers to enhance performance characteristics.