Tire Size Box

175/55R15 vs 195/55R15

195/55R15 compared with 175/55R15

+3.8% diameter, +0.8" width

195/55R15 is 23.44" tall vs 22.58". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.6"15" rim3.8"6.9" wide
175/55R15 (solid) compared with 195/55R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 195/55R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.3 mph

195/55R15 is +0.87 inches (+3.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

175/55R15195/55R15Difference%
Overall diameter22.58"23.44"+0.87"+3.8%
Section width6.89"7.68"+0.79"+11.4%
Sidewall height3.79"4.22"+0.43"+11.4%
Circumference70.93"73.65"+2.72"+3.8%
Revolutions per mile893.2860.2−33.0−3.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 175/55R15 and you fit 195/55R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.2 mph+1.2 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.9 mph+1.9 mph
60 mph62.3 mph+2.3 mph
65 mph67.5 mph+2.5 mph
70 mph72.7 mph+2.7 mph
75 mph77.9 mph+2.9 mph
80 mph83.1 mph+3.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 175/55R15 or 195/55R15?
195/55R15 is taller by 0.87 inches (23.44" vs 22.58"). 195/55R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 175/55R15 with 195/55R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.8%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 195/55R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 195/55R15 fitted (calibrated for 175/55R15), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.8%.
Will 195/55R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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