Tire Size Box

195/70R16 vs 215/70R16

215/70R16 compared with 195/70R16

+4.1% diameter, +0.8" width

215/70R16 is 27.85" tall vs 26.75". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.7"16" rim5.4"7.7" wide
195/70R16 (solid) compared with 215/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/70R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.5 mph

215/70R16 is +1.10 inches (+4.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/70R16215/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.75"27.85"+1.10"+4.1%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height5.37"5.93"+0.55"+10.3%
Circumference84.03"87.49"+3.46"+4.1%
Revolutions per mile754.0724.2−29.8−4.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/70R16 and you fit 215/70R16, 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 mph52.1 mph+2.1 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, 195/70R16 or 215/70R16?
215/70R16 is taller by 1.10 inches (27.85" vs 26.75"). 215/70R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/70R16 with 215/70R16?
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 215/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 195/70R16), your real speed is 62.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.1%.
Will 215/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.55 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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