Tire Size Box

215/60R18 vs 215/65R18

215/65R18 compared with 215/60R18

+3.0% diameter, 0.0" width

215/65R18 is 29.00" tall vs 28.16". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.2"18" rim5.1"8.5" wide
215/60R18 (solid) compared with 215/65R18 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/65R18 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

215/65R18 is +0.85 inches (+3.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/60R18215/65R18Difference%
Overall diameter28.16"29.00"+0.85"+3.0%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.08"5.50"+0.42"+8.3%
Circumference88.46"91.12"+2.66"+3.0%
Revolutions per mile716.3695.4−20.9−2.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/60R18 and you fit 215/65R18, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph30.9 mph+0.9 mph
40 mph41.2 mph+1.2 mph
50 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.8 mph+1.8 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.4 mph+2.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/60R18 or 215/65R18?
215/65R18 is taller by 0.85 inches (29.00" vs 28.16"). 215/60R18 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/60R18 with 215/65R18?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.0%, 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 215/65R18 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/65R18 fitted (calibrated for 215/60R18), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.0%.
Will 215/65R18 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.42 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons