Tire Size Box

215/55R14 vs 235/55R14

235/55R14 compared with 215/55R14

+3.7% diameter, +0.8" width

235/55R14 is 24.18" tall vs 23.31". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.3"14" rim4.7"8.5" wide
215/55R14 (solid) compared with 235/55R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/55R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.2 mph

235/55R14 is +0.87 inches (+3.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/55R14235/55R14Difference%
Overall diameter23.31"24.18"+0.87"+3.7%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height4.66"5.09"+0.43"+9.3%
Circumference73.23"75.95"+2.72"+3.7%
Revolutions per mile865.2834.2−31.0−3.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/55R14 and you fit 235/55R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.9 mph+1.9 mph
60 mph62.2 mph+2.2 mph
65 mph67.4 mph+2.4 mph
70 mph72.6 mph+2.6 mph
75 mph77.8 mph+2.8 mph
80 mph83.0 mph+3.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/55R14 or 235/55R14?
235/55R14 is taller by 0.87 inches (24.18" vs 23.31"). 235/55R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/55R14 with 235/55R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.7%, 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 235/55R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/55R14 fitted (calibrated for 215/55R14), your real speed is 62.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.7%.
Will 235/55R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.43 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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