Tire Size Box

215/60R15 vs 235/60R15

235/60R15 compared with 215/60R15

+3.8% diameter, +0.8" width

235/60R15 is 26.10" tall vs 25.16". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.2"15" rim5.1"8.5" wide
215/60R15 (solid) compared with 235/60R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

62.3 mph

235/60R15 is +0.94 inches (+3.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/60R15235/60R15Difference%
Overall diameter25.16"26.10"+0.94"+3.8%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height5.08"5.55"+0.47"+9.3%
Circumference79.03"82.00"+2.97"+3.8%
Revolutions per mile801.7772.7−29.0−3.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/60R15 and you fit 235/60R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.9 mph+1.9 mph
60 mph62.3 mph+2.3 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, 215/60R15 or 235/60R15?
235/60R15 is taller by 0.94 inches (26.10" vs 25.16"). 235/60R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/60R15 with 235/60R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.8%, 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 235/60R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/60R15 fitted (calibrated for 215/60R15), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.8%.
Will 235/60R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.47 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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