Tire Size Box

195/45R16 vs 215/45R16

215/45R16 compared with 195/45R16

+3.1% diameter, +0.8" width

215/45R16 is 23.62" tall vs 22.91". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.9"16" rim3.5"7.7" wide
195/45R16 (solid) compared with 215/45R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/45R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

215/45R16 is +0.71 inches (+3.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/45R16215/45R16Difference%
Overall diameter22.91"23.62"+0.71"+3.1%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height3.45"3.81"+0.35"+10.3%
Circumference71.97"74.20"+2.23"+3.1%
Revolutions per mile880.3853.9−26.4−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/45R16 and you fit 215/45R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph30.9 mph+0.9 mph
40 mph41.2 mph+1.2 mph
50 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.2 mph+2.2 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/45R16 or 215/45R16?
215/45R16 is taller by 0.71 inches (23.62" vs 22.91"). 215/45R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/45R16 with 215/45R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.1%, 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 215/45R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/45R16 fitted (calibrated for 195/45R16), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.1%.
Will 215/45R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.35 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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