Tire Size Box

215/60R15 vs 215/65R15

215/65R15 compared with 215/60R15

+3.4% diameter, 0.0" width

215/65R15 is 26.00" tall vs 25.16". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.2"15" rim5.1"8.5" wide
215/60R15 (solid) compared with 215/65R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/65R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

215/65R15 is +0.85 inches (+3.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/60R15215/65R15Difference%
Overall diameter25.16"26.00"+0.85"+3.4%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.08"5.50"+0.42"+8.3%
Circumference79.03"81.69"+2.66"+3.4%
Revolutions per mile801.7775.6−26.1−3.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/60R15 and you fit 215/65R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.7 mph+2.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/60R15 or 215/65R15?
215/65R15 is taller by 0.85 inches (26.00" vs 25.16"). 215/60R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/60R15 with 215/65R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.4%, 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 215/65R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/65R15 fitted (calibrated for 215/60R15), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.4%.
Will 215/65R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.42 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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