Tire Size Box

215/65R14 vs 235/65R14

235/65R14 compared with 215/65R14

+4.1% diameter, +0.8" width

235/65R14 is 26.03" tall vs 25.00". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.0"14" rim5.5"8.5" wide
215/65R14 (solid) compared with 235/65R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/65R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.5 mph

235/65R14 is +1.02 inches (+4.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/65R14235/65R14Difference%
Overall diameter25.00"26.03"+1.02"+4.1%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height5.50"6.01"+0.51"+9.3%
Circumference78.55"81.77"+3.22"+4.1%
Revolutions per mile806.6774.9−31.7−3.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/65R14 and you fit 235/65R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.2 mph+1.2 mph
40 mph41.6 mph+1.6 mph
50 mph52.0 mph+2.0 mph
60 mph62.5 mph+2.5 mph
65 mph67.7 mph+2.7 mph
70 mph72.9 mph+2.9 mph
75 mph78.1 mph+3.1 mph
80 mph83.3 mph+3.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/65R14 or 235/65R14?
235/65R14 is taller by 1.02 inches (26.03" vs 25.00"). 235/65R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/65R14 with 235/65R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.1%, 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 235/65R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/65R14 fitted (calibrated for 215/65R14), your real speed is 62.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.1%.
Will 235/65R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.51 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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