Tire Size Box

195/65R15 vs 215/65R15

215/65R15 compared with 195/65R15

+4.1% diameter, +0.8" width

215/65R15 is 26.00" tall vs 24.98". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.0"15" rim5.0"7.7" wide
195/65R15 (solid) compared with 215/65R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/65R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.5 mph

215/65R15 is +1.02 inches (+4.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/65R15215/65R15Difference%
Overall diameter24.98"26.00"+1.02"+4.1%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height4.99"5.50"+0.51"+10.3%
Circumference78.48"81.69"+3.22"+4.1%
Revolutions per mile807.4775.6−31.8−3.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/65R15 and you fit 215/65R15, 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 mph41.6 mph+1.6 mph
50 mph52.0 mph+2.0 mph
60 mph62.5 mph+2.5 mph
65 mph67.7 mph+2.7 mph
70 mph72.9 mph+2.9 mph
75 mph78.1 mph+3.1 mph
80 mph83.3 mph+3.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/65R15 or 215/65R15?
215/65R15 is taller by 1.02 inches (26.00" vs 24.98"). 215/65R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/65R15 with 215/65R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.1%, 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 215/65R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/65R15 fitted (calibrated for 195/65R15), your real speed is 62.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.1%.
Will 215/65R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.51 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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