Tire Size Box

205/65R15 vs 205/70R15

205/70R15 compared with 205/65R15

+3.2% diameter, 0.0" width

205/70R15 is 26.30" tall vs 25.49". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.5"15" rim5.2"8.1" wide
205/65R15 (solid) compared with 205/70R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/70R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

205/70R15 is +0.81 inches (+3.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/65R15205/70R15Difference%
Overall diameter25.49"26.30"+0.81"+3.2%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.25"5.65"+0.40"+7.7%
Circumference80.09"82.62"+2.54"+3.2%
Revolutions per mile791.2766.9−24.3−3.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/65R15 and you fit 205/70R15, 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 mph67.1 mph+2.1 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, 205/65R15 or 205/70R15?
205/70R15 is taller by 0.81 inches (26.30" vs 25.49"). 205/65R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/65R15 with 205/70R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.2%, 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 205/70R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/70R15 fitted (calibrated for 205/65R15), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.2%.
Will 205/70R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.40 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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