Tire Size Box

215/60R16 vs 215/70R16

215/70R16 compared with 215/60R16

+6.5% diameter, 0.0" width

215/70R16 is 27.85" tall vs 26.16". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.2"16" rim5.1"8.5" wide
215/60R16 (solid) compared with 215/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/70R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.9 mph

215/70R16 is +1.69 inches (+6.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/60R16215/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.16"27.85"+1.69"+6.5%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.08"5.93"+0.85"+16.7%
Circumference82.18"87.49"+5.32"+6.5%
Revolutions per mile771.0724.2−46.9−6.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/60R16 and you fit 215/70R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph31.9 mph+1.9 mph
40 mph42.6 mph+2.6 mph
50 mph53.2 mph+3.2 mph
60 mph63.9 mph+3.9 mph
65 mph69.2 mph+4.2 mph
70 mph74.5 mph+4.5 mph
75 mph79.9 mph+4.9 mph
80 mph85.2 mph+5.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/60R16 or 215/70R16?
215/70R16 is taller by 1.69 inches (27.85" vs 26.16"). 215/60R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/60R16 with 215/70R16?
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 215/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/60R16), your real speed is 63.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.5%.
Will 215/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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