Tire Size Box

215/80R15 vs 215/85R15

215/85R15 compared with 215/80R15

+3.0% diameter, 0.0" width

215/85R15 is 29.39" tall vs 28.54". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

28.5"15" rim6.8"8.5" wide
215/80R15 (solid) compared with 215/85R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/85R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

215/85R15 is +0.85 inches (+3.0%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

215/80R15215/85R15Difference%
Overall diameter28.54"29.39"+0.85"+3.0%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height6.77"7.19"+0.42"+6.3%
Circumference89.67"92.33"+2.66"+3.0%
Revolutions per mile706.6686.2−20.4−2.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/80R15 and you fit 215/85R15, 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 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.8 mph+1.8 mph
65 mph66.9 mph+1.9 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.2 mph+2.2 mph
80 mph82.4 mph+2.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/80R15 or 215/85R15?
215/85R15 is taller by 0.85 inches (29.39" vs 28.54"). 215/80R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/80R15 with 215/85R15?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +3.0%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 215/85R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/85R15 fitted (calibrated for 215/80R15), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.0%.
Will 215/85R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.42 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons