Tire Size Box

215/80R14 vs 235/80R14

235/80R14 compared with 215/80R14

+4.6% diameter, +0.8" width

235/80R14 is 28.80" tall vs 27.54". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.5"14" rim6.8"8.5" wide
215/80R14 (solid) compared with 235/80R14 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/80R14 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.7 mph

235/80R14 is +1.26 inches (+4.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/80R14235/80R14Difference%
Overall diameter27.54"28.80"+1.26"+4.6%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height6.77"7.40"+0.63"+9.3%
Circumference86.53"90.49"+3.96"+4.6%
Revolutions per mile732.2700.2−32.0−4.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/80R14 and you fit 235/80R14, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.9 mph+0.9 mph
30 mph31.4 mph+1.4 mph
40 mph41.8 mph+1.8 mph
50 mph52.3 mph+2.3 mph
60 mph62.7 mph+2.7 mph
65 mph68.0 mph+3.0 mph
70 mph73.2 mph+3.2 mph
75 mph78.4 mph+3.4 mph
80 mph83.7 mph+3.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/80R14 or 235/80R14?
235/80R14 is taller by 1.26 inches (28.80" vs 27.54"). 235/80R14 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/80R14 with 235/80R14?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.6%, 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 235/80R14 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/80R14 fitted (calibrated for 215/80R14), your real speed is 62.7 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.6%.
Will 235/80R14 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.63 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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