Tire Size Box

195/55R18 vs 215/55R18

215/55R18 compared with 195/55R18

+3.3% diameter, +0.8" width

215/55R18 is 27.31" tall vs 26.44". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.4"18" rim4.2"7.7" wide
195/55R18 (solid) compared with 215/55R18 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/55R18 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

215/55R18 is +0.87 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/55R18215/55R18Difference%
Overall diameter26.44"27.31"+0.87"+3.3%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height4.22"4.66"+0.43"+10.3%
Circumference83.08"85.80"+2.72"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile762.6738.5−24.2−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/55R18 and you fit 215/55R18, 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 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/55R18 or 215/55R18?
215/55R18 is taller by 0.87 inches (27.31" vs 26.44"). 215/55R18 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/55R18 with 215/55R18?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.3%, 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 215/55R18 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/55R18 fitted (calibrated for 195/55R18), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 215/55R18 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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