Tire Size Box

195/55R15 vs 195/65R15

195/65R15 compared with 195/55R15

+6.5% diameter, 0.0" width

195/65R15 is 24.98" tall vs 23.44". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.4"15" rim4.2"7.7" wide
195/55R15 (solid) compared with 195/65R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 195/65R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.9 mph

195/65R15 is +1.54 inches (+6.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/55R15195/65R15Difference%
Overall diameter23.44"24.98"+1.54"+6.5%
Section width7.68"7.68"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.22"4.99"+0.77"+18.2%
Circumference73.65"78.48"+4.82"+6.5%
Revolutions per mile860.2807.4−52.9−6.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/55R15 and you fit 195/65R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph32.0 mph+2.0 mph
40 mph42.6 mph+2.6 mph
50 mph53.3 mph+3.3 mph
60 mph63.9 mph+3.9 mph
65 mph69.3 mph+4.3 mph
70 mph74.6 mph+4.6 mph
75 mph79.9 mph+4.9 mph
80 mph85.2 mph+5.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/55R15 or 195/65R15?
195/65R15 is taller by 1.54 inches (24.98" vs 23.44"). 195/55R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 195/55R15 with 195/65R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.5%, 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 195/65R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 195/65R15 fitted (calibrated for 195/55R15), your real speed is 63.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.5%.
Will 195/65R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.77 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons