Tire Size Box

195/65R16 vs 215/65R16

215/65R16 compared with 195/65R16

+3.9% diameter, +0.8" width

215/65R16 is 27.00" tall vs 25.98". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.0"16" rim5.0"7.7" wide
195/65R16 (solid) compared with 215/65R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/65R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.4 mph

215/65R16 is +1.02 inches (+3.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/65R16215/65R16Difference%
Overall diameter25.98"27.00"+1.02"+3.9%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height4.99"5.50"+0.51"+10.3%
Circumference81.62"84.84"+3.22"+3.9%
Revolutions per mile776.3746.9−29.4−3.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/65R16 and you fit 215/65R16, 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 mph62.4 mph+2.4 mph
65 mph67.6 mph+2.6 mph
70 mph72.8 mph+2.8 mph
75 mph78.0 mph+3.0 mph
80 mph83.2 mph+3.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/65R16 or 215/65R16?
215/65R16 is taller by 1.02 inches (27.00" vs 25.98"). 215/65R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/65R16 with 215/65R16?
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 215/65R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/65R16 fitted (calibrated for 195/65R16), your real speed is 62.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.9%.
Will 215/65R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.51 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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