Tire Size Box

205/60R15 vs 205/65R15

205/65R15 compared with 205/60R15

+3.3% diameter, 0.0" width

205/65R15 is 25.49" tall vs 24.69". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.7"15" rim4.8"8.1" wide
205/60R15 (solid) compared with 205/65R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/65R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

205/65R15 is +0.81 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/60R15205/65R15Difference%
Overall diameter24.69"25.49"+0.81"+3.3%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.84"5.25"+0.40"+8.3%
Circumference77.55"80.09"+2.54"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile817.0791.2−25.9−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/60R15 and you fit 205/65R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/60R15 or 205/65R15?
205/65R15 is taller by 0.81 inches (25.49" vs 24.69"). 205/60R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/60R15 with 205/65R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.3%, 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 205/65R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/65R15 fitted (calibrated for 205/60R15), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 205/65R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.40 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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