Tire Size Box

205/60R15 vs 205/70R15

205/70R15 compared with 205/60R15

+6.5% diameter, 0.0" width

205/70R15 is 26.30" 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 205/70R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/70R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.9 mph

205/70R15 is +1.61 inches (+6.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/60R15205/70R15Difference%
Overall diameter24.69"26.30"+1.61"+6.5%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.84"5.65"+0.81"+16.7%
Circumference77.55"82.62"+5.07"+6.5%
Revolutions per mile817.0766.9−50.1−6.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/60R15 and you fit 205/70R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph32.0 mph+2.0 mph
40 mph42.6 mph+2.6 mph
50 mph53.3 mph+3.3 mph
60 mph63.9 mph+3.9 mph
65 mph69.3 mph+4.3 mph
70 mph74.6 mph+4.6 mph
75 mph79.9 mph+4.9 mph
80 mph85.2 mph+5.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/60R15 or 205/70R15?
205/70R15 is taller by 1.61 inches (26.30" vs 24.69"). 205/60R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/60R15 with 205/70R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.5%, 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 205/70R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/70R15 fitted (calibrated for 205/60R15), your real speed is 63.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.5%.
Will 205/70R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.81 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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