Tire Size Box

195/55R14 vs 215/55R14

215/55R14 compared with 195/55R14

+3.9% diameter, +0.8" width

215/55R14 is 23.31" tall vs 22.44". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.4"14" rim4.2"7.7" wide
195/55R14 (solid) compared with 215/55R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/55R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.3 mph

215/55R14 is +0.87 inches (+3.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/55R14215/55R14Difference%
Overall diameter22.44"23.31"+0.87"+3.9%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height4.22"4.66"+0.43"+10.3%
Circumference70.51"73.23"+2.72"+3.9%
Revolutions per mile898.6865.2−33.4−3.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/55R14 and you fit 215/55R14, 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, 195/55R14 or 215/55R14?
215/55R14 is taller by 0.87 inches (23.31" vs 22.44"). 215/55R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/55R14 with 215/55R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.9%, 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 215/55R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/55R14 fitted (calibrated for 195/55R14), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.9%.
Will 215/55R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons