Tire Size Box

215/50R15 vs 235/50R15

235/50R15 compared with 215/50R15

+3.4% diameter, +0.8" width

235/50R15 is 24.25" tall vs 23.46". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.5"15" rim4.2"8.5" wide
215/50R15 (solid) compared with 235/50R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/50R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

235/50R15 is +0.79 inches (+3.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/50R15235/50R15Difference%
Overall diameter23.46"24.25"+0.79"+3.4%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height4.23"4.63"+0.39"+9.3%
Circumference73.72"76.19"+2.47"+3.4%
Revolutions per mile859.5831.6−27.9−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/50R15 and you fit 235/50R15, 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 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.7 mph+2.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/50R15 or 235/50R15?
235/50R15 is taller by 0.79 inches (24.25" vs 23.46"). 235/50R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/50R15 with 235/50R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.4%, 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 235/50R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/50R15 fitted (calibrated for 215/50R15), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.4%.
Will 235/50R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.39 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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