Tire Size Box

195/70R15 vs 215/70R15

215/70R15 compared with 195/70R15

+4.3% diameter, +0.8" width

215/70R15 is 26.85" tall vs 25.75". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.7"15" rim5.4"7.7" wide
195/70R15 (solid) compared with 215/70R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/70R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.6 mph

215/70R15 is +1.10 inches (+4.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/70R15215/70R15Difference%
Overall diameter25.75"26.85"+1.10"+4.3%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height5.37"5.93"+0.55"+10.3%
Circumference80.89"84.35"+3.46"+4.3%
Revolutions per mile783.3751.1−32.2−4.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/70R15 and you fit 215/70R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.9 mph+0.9 mph
30 mph31.3 mph+1.3 mph
40 mph41.7 mph+1.7 mph
50 mph52.1 mph+2.1 mph
60 mph62.6 mph+2.6 mph
65 mph67.8 mph+2.8 mph
70 mph73.0 mph+3.0 mph
75 mph78.2 mph+3.2 mph
80 mph83.4 mph+3.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/70R15 or 215/70R15?
215/70R15 is taller by 1.10 inches (26.85" vs 25.75"). 215/70R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/70R15 with 215/70R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.3%, 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 215/70R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/70R15 fitted (calibrated for 195/70R15), your real speed is 62.6 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.3%.
Will 215/70R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.55 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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