Tire Size Box

195/80R15 vs 215/80R15

215/80R15 compared with 195/80R15

+4.6% diameter, +0.8" width

215/80R15 is 28.54" tall vs 27.28". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.3"15" rim6.1"7.7" wide
195/80R15 (solid) compared with 215/80R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/80R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.8 mph

215/80R15 is +1.26 inches (+4.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/80R15215/80R15Difference%
Overall diameter27.28"28.54"+1.26"+4.6%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height6.14"6.77"+0.63"+10.3%
Circumference85.71"89.67"+3.96"+4.6%
Revolutions per mile739.2706.6−32.6−4.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/80R15 and you fit 215/80R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.9 mph+0.9 mph
30 mph31.4 mph+1.4 mph
40 mph41.8 mph+1.8 mph
50 mph52.3 mph+2.3 mph
60 mph62.8 mph+2.8 mph
65 mph68.0 mph+3.0 mph
70 mph73.2 mph+3.2 mph
75 mph78.5 mph+3.5 mph
80 mph83.7 mph+3.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/80R15 or 215/80R15?
215/80R15 is taller by 1.26 inches (28.54" vs 27.28"). 215/80R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/80R15 with 215/80R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.6%, 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 215/80R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/80R15 fitted (calibrated for 195/80R15), your real speed is 62.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.6%.
Will 215/80R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.63 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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