Tire Size Box

165/70R14 vs 205/50R15

205/50R15 compared with 165/70R14

−0.1% diameter, +1.6" width

205/50R15 is 23.07" tall vs 23.09". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

23.1"14" rim4.5"6.5" wide
165/70R14 (solid) compared with 205/50R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/50R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

59.9 mph

205/50R15 is −0.02 inches (−0.1%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

165/70R14205/50R15Difference%
Overall diameter23.09"23.07"−0.02"−0.1%
Section width6.50"8.07"+1.57"+24.2%
Sidewall height4.55"4.04"−0.51"−11.3%
Circumference72.55"72.48"−0.07"−0.1%
Revolutions per mile873.3874.2+0.9+0.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 165/70R14 and you fit 205/50R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.0 mph0.0 mph
30 mph30.0 mph0.0 mph
40 mph40.0 mph0.0 mph
50 mph49.9 mph−0.1 mph
60 mph59.9 mph−0.1 mph
65 mph64.9 mph−0.1 mph
70 mph69.9 mph−0.1 mph
75 mph74.9 mph−0.1 mph
80 mph79.9 mph−0.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 165/70R14 or 205/50R15?
165/70R14 is taller by 0.02 inches (23.09" vs 23.07"). 205/50R15 is wider by 1.57 inches.
Can I replace 165/70R14 with 205/50R15?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is −0.1%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 205/50R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/50R15 fitted (calibrated for 165/70R14), your real speed is 59.9 mph. Your odometer will over-count miles by about 0.1%.
Will 205/50R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: −0.01 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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