Tire Size Box

195/70R17 vs 215/70R17

215/70R17 compared with 195/70R17

+4.0% diameter, +0.8" width

215/70R17 is 28.85" tall vs 27.75". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.7"17" rim5.4"7.7" wide
195/70R17 (solid) compared with 215/70R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/70R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.4 mph

215/70R17 is +1.10 inches (+4.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/70R17215/70R17Difference%
Overall diameter27.75"28.85"+1.10"+4.0%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height5.37"5.93"+0.55"+10.3%
Circumference87.17"90.64"+3.46"+4.0%
Revolutions per mile726.8699.1−27.8−3.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/70R17 and you fit 215/70R17, 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, 195/70R17 or 215/70R17?
215/70R17 is taller by 1.10 inches (28.85" vs 27.75"). 215/70R17 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/70R17 with 215/70R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.0%, 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 215/70R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/70R17 fitted (calibrated for 195/70R17), your real speed is 62.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.0%.
Will 215/70R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.55 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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