Tire Size Box

215/60R17 vs 215/65R17

215/65R17 compared with 215/60R17

+3.1% diameter, 0.0" width

215/65R17 is 28.00" tall vs 27.16". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.2"17" rim5.1"8.5" wide
215/60R17 (solid) compared with 215/65R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/65R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

215/65R17 is +0.85 inches (+3.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/60R17215/65R17Difference%
Overall diameter27.16"28.00"+0.85"+3.1%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.08"5.50"+0.42"+8.3%
Circumference85.32"87.98"+2.66"+3.1%
Revolutions per mile742.6720.2−22.4−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/60R17 and you fit 215/65R17, 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 mph41.2 mph+1.2 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 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/60R17 or 215/65R17?
215/65R17 is taller by 0.85 inches (28.00" vs 27.16"). 215/60R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/60R17 with 215/65R17?
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 215/65R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/65R17 fitted (calibrated for 215/60R17), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.1%.
Will 215/65R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.42 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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