Tire Size Box

215/55R15 vs 215/65R15

215/65R15 compared with 215/55R15

+7.0% diameter, 0.0" width

215/65R15 is 26.00" tall vs 24.31". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.3"15" rim4.7"8.5" wide
215/55R15 (solid) compared with 215/65R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/65R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.2 mph

215/65R15 is +1.69 inches (+7.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/55R15215/65R15Difference%
Overall diameter24.31"26.00"+1.69"+7.0%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.66"5.50"+0.85"+18.2%
Circumference76.38"81.69"+5.32"+7.0%
Revolutions per mile829.6775.6−54.0−6.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/55R15 and you fit 215/65R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.4 mph+1.4 mph
30 mph32.1 mph+2.1 mph
40 mph42.8 mph+2.8 mph
50 mph53.5 mph+3.5 mph
60 mph64.2 mph+4.2 mph
65 mph69.5 mph+4.5 mph
70 mph74.9 mph+4.9 mph
75 mph80.2 mph+5.2 mph
80 mph85.6 mph+5.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/55R15 or 215/65R15?
215/65R15 is taller by 1.69 inches (26.00" vs 24.31"). 215/55R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/55R15 with 215/65R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.0%, 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 215/65R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/65R15 fitted (calibrated for 215/55R15), your real speed is 64.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.0%.
Will 215/65R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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