In plus sizing, a larger wheel is used with a lower aspect ratio tire. Minus sizing, however, uses smaller wheels with taller tires.

A lot of drivers have already heard about Plus sizing, but most drivers do not know what the minus sizing is.

The Minus sizing is a practice of mounting taller profile tires on smaller diameter wheels. This is the reverse concept of plus sizing and accordingly, it is called the minus concept or the minus sizing. Minus size winter tires is the best way to reach optimal winter tire performances, especially in deep snow driving.


Minus Sizing-Minus size winter tires

Plus sizing or up-stepping is the practice of replacing the wheel with a larger one and mounting a lower profile tyre while maintaining the same (or approximately the same) diameter and circumference as the original tyre.


Plus Sizing - Original Size, Plus One, Plus Two

Pros of Plus Sizing

  • Aesthetics. Putting on larger wheels and lower tyres looks really cool.
  • Better handling and cornering due to a wider thread and stiffer sidewall.
  • Greater contact area. Plus sizing usually means putting wider tyres, thus the increase in contact area.

Wheel on the sports car