Tire Size Box

215/70R14 vs 275/50R15

275/50R15 compared with 215/70R14

−0.1% diameter, +2.4" width

275/50R15 is 25.83" tall vs 25.85". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

25.9"14" rim5.9"8.5" wide
215/70R14 (solid) compared with 275/50R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 275/50R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

59.9 mph

275/50R15 is −0.02 inches (−0.1%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

215/70R14275/50R15Difference%
Overall diameter25.85"25.83"−0.02"−0.1%
Section width8.46"10.83"+2.36"+27.9%
Sidewall height5.93"5.41"−0.51"−8.6%
Circumference81.21"81.14"−0.07"−0.1%
Revolutions per mile780.2780.9+0.7+0.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/70R14 and you fit 275/50R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.0 mph0.0 mph
30 mph30.0 mph0.0 mph
40 mph40.0 mph0.0 mph
50 mph50.0 mph0.0 mph
60 mph59.9 mph−0.1 mph
65 mph64.9 mph−0.1 mph
70 mph69.9 mph−0.1 mph
75 mph74.9 mph−0.1 mph
80 mph79.9 mph−0.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/70R14 or 275/50R15?
215/70R14 is taller by 0.02 inches (25.85" vs 25.83"). 275/50R15 is wider by 2.36 inches.
Can I replace 215/70R14 with 275/50R15?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is −0.1%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 275/50R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 275/50R15 fitted (calibrated for 215/70R14), your real speed is 59.9 mph. Your odometer will over-count miles by about 0.1%.
Will 275/50R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: −0.01 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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