Tire Size Box

195/55R15 vs 215/55R15

215/55R15 compared with 195/55R15

+3.7% diameter, +0.8" width

215/55R15 is 24.31" 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 215/55R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/55R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.2 mph

215/55R15 is +0.87 inches (+3.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/55R15215/55R15Difference%
Overall diameter23.44"24.31"+0.87"+3.7%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height4.22"4.66"+0.43"+10.3%
Circumference73.65"76.38"+2.72"+3.7%
Revolutions per mile860.2829.6−30.6−3.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/55R15 and you fit 215/55R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.8 mph+1.8 mph
60 mph62.2 mph+2.2 mph
65 mph67.4 mph+2.4 mph
70 mph72.6 mph+2.6 mph
75 mph77.8 mph+2.8 mph
80 mph83.0 mph+3.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/55R15 or 215/55R15?
215/55R15 is taller by 0.87 inches (24.31" vs 23.44"). 215/55R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/55R15 with 215/55R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.7%, 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 215/55R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/55R15 fitted (calibrated for 195/55R15), your real speed is 62.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.7%.
Will 215/55R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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