Tire Size Box

175/85R15 vs 195/85R15

195/85R15 compared with 175/85R15

+5.0% diameter, +0.8" width

195/85R15 is 28.05" tall vs 26.71". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.7"15" rim5.9"6.9" wide
175/85R15 (solid) compared with 195/85R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 195/85R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.0 mph

195/85R15 is +1.34 inches (+5.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

175/85R15195/85R15Difference%
Overall diameter26.71"28.05"+1.34"+5.0%
Section width6.89"7.68"+0.79"+11.4%
Sidewall height5.86"6.53"+0.67"+11.4%
Circumference83.92"88.13"+4.21"+5.0%
Revolutions per mile755.0719.0−36.0−4.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 175/85R15 and you fit 195/85R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.0 mph+1.0 mph
30 mph31.5 mph+1.5 mph
40 mph42.0 mph+2.0 mph
50 mph52.5 mph+2.5 mph
60 mph63.0 mph+3.0 mph
65 mph68.3 mph+3.3 mph
70 mph73.5 mph+3.5 mph
75 mph78.8 mph+3.8 mph
80 mph84.0 mph+4.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 175/85R15 or 195/85R15?
195/85R15 is taller by 1.34 inches (28.05" vs 26.71"). 195/85R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 175/85R15 with 195/85R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +5.0%, 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 195/85R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 195/85R15 fitted (calibrated for 175/85R15), your real speed is 63.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 5.0%.
Will 195/85R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.67 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons