Tire Size Box

215/60R20 vs 235/60R20

235/60R20 compared with 215/60R20

+3.1% diameter, +0.8" width

235/60R20 is 31.10" tall vs 30.16". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

30.2"20" rim5.1"8.5" wide
215/60R20 (solid) compared with 235/60R20 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/60R20 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

235/60R20 is +0.94 inches (+3.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/60R20235/60R20Difference%
Overall diameter30.16"31.10"+0.94"+3.1%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height5.08"5.55"+0.47"+9.3%
Circumference94.74"97.71"+2.97"+3.1%
Revolutions per mile668.8648.4−20.3−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/60R20 and you fit 235/60R20, 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 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.2 mph+2.2 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/60R20 or 235/60R20?
235/60R20 is taller by 0.94 inches (31.10" vs 30.16"). 235/60R20 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/60R20 with 235/60R20?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.1%, 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 235/60R20 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/60R20 fitted (calibrated for 215/60R20), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.1%.
Will 235/60R20 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.47 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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