Tire Size Box

195/70R18 vs 215/70R18

215/70R18 compared with 195/70R18

+3.8% diameter, +0.8" width

215/70R18 is 29.85" tall vs 28.75". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.7"18" rim5.4"7.7" wide
195/70R18 (solid) compared with 215/70R18 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/70R18 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.3 mph

215/70R18 is +1.10 inches (+3.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/70R18215/70R18Difference%
Overall diameter28.75"29.85"+1.10"+3.8%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height5.37"5.93"+0.55"+10.3%
Circumference90.31"93.78"+3.46"+3.8%
Revolutions per mile701.5675.6−25.9−3.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/70R18 and you fit 215/70R18, 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 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.9 mph+1.9 mph
60 mph62.3 mph+2.3 mph
65 mph67.5 mph+2.5 mph
70 mph72.7 mph+2.7 mph
75 mph77.9 mph+2.9 mph
80 mph83.1 mph+3.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/70R18 or 215/70R18?
215/70R18 is taller by 1.10 inches (29.85" vs 28.75"). 215/70R18 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/70R18 with 215/70R18?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.8%, 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 215/70R18 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/70R18 fitted (calibrated for 195/70R18), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.8%.
Will 215/70R18 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.55 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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