Tire Size Box

215/65R16 vs 215/70R16

215/70R16 compared with 215/65R16

+3.1% diameter, 0.0" width

215/70R16 is 27.85" tall vs 27.00". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.0"16" rim5.5"8.5" wide
215/65R16 (solid) compared with 215/70R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

61.9 mph

215/70R16 is +0.85 inches (+3.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/65R16215/70R16Difference%
Overall diameter27.00"27.85"+0.85"+3.1%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.50"5.93"+0.42"+7.7%
Circumference84.84"87.49"+2.66"+3.1%
Revolutions per mile746.9724.2−22.7−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/65R16 and you fit 215/70R16, 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 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/65R16 or 215/70R16?
215/70R16 is taller by 0.85 inches (27.85" vs 27.00"). 215/65R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/65R16 with 215/70R16?
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 215/70R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/70R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/65R16), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.1%.
Will 215/70R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.42 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons