Tire Size Box

195/50R15 vs 215/50R15

215/50R15 compared with 195/50R15

+3.5% diameter, +0.8" width

215/50R15 is 23.46" tall vs 22.68". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.7"15" rim3.8"7.7" wide
195/50R15 (solid) compared with 215/50R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/50R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.1 mph

215/50R15 is +0.79 inches (+3.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/50R15215/50R15Difference%
Overall diameter22.68"23.46"+0.79"+3.5%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height3.84"4.23"+0.39"+10.3%
Circumference71.24"73.72"+2.47"+3.5%
Revolutions per mile889.4859.5−29.8−3.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/50R15 and you fit 215/50R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.1 mph+2.1 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.6 mph+2.6 mph
80 mph82.8 mph+2.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/50R15 or 215/50R15?
215/50R15 is taller by 0.79 inches (23.46" vs 22.68"). 215/50R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/50R15 with 215/50R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.5%, 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 215/50R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/50R15 fitted (calibrated for 195/50R15), your real speed is 62.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.5%.
Will 215/50R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.39 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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