Tire Size Box

195/85R15 vs 215/85R15

215/85R15 compared with 195/85R15

+4.8% diameter, +0.8" width

215/85R15 is 29.39" tall vs 28.05". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.1"15" rim6.5"7.7" wide
195/85R15 (solid) compared with 215/85R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/85R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.9 mph

215/85R15 is +1.34 inches (+4.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/85R15215/85R15Difference%
Overall diameter28.05"29.39"+1.34"+4.8%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height6.53"7.19"+0.67"+10.3%
Circumference88.13"92.33"+4.21"+4.8%
Revolutions per mile719.0686.2−32.7−4.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/85R15 and you fit 215/85R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.0 mph+1.0 mph
30 mph31.4 mph+1.4 mph
40 mph41.9 mph+1.9 mph
50 mph52.4 mph+2.4 mph
60 mph62.9 mph+2.9 mph
65 mph68.1 mph+3.1 mph
70 mph73.3 mph+3.3 mph
75 mph78.6 mph+3.6 mph
80 mph83.8 mph+3.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/85R15 or 215/85R15?
215/85R15 is taller by 1.34 inches (29.39" vs 28.05"). 215/85R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/85R15 with 215/85R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.8%, 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 215/85R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/85R15 fitted (calibrated for 195/85R15), your real speed is 62.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.8%.
Will 215/85R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.67 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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