Tire Size Box

215/65R15 vs 215/70R15

215/70R15 compared with 215/65R15

+3.3% diameter, 0.0" width

215/70R15 is 26.85" tall vs 26.00". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.0"15" rim5.5"8.5" wide
215/65R15 (solid) compared with 215/70R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/70R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

215/70R15 is +0.85 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/65R15215/70R15Difference%
Overall diameter26.00"26.85"+0.85"+3.3%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.50"5.93"+0.42"+7.7%
Circumference81.69"84.35"+2.66"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile775.6751.1−24.5−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/65R15 and you fit 215/70R15, 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 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/65R15 or 215/70R15?
215/70R15 is taller by 0.85 inches (26.85" vs 26.00"). 215/65R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/65R15 with 215/70R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.3%, 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 215/70R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/70R15 fitted (calibrated for 215/65R15), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 215/70R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.42 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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