Tire Size Box

235/55R15 vs 235/60R15

235/60R15 compared with 235/55R15

+3.7% diameter, 0.0" width

235/60R15 is 26.10" tall vs 25.18". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.2"15" rim5.1"9.3" wide
235/55R15 (solid) compared with 235/60R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/60R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.2 mph

235/60R15 is +0.93 inches (+3.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

235/55R15235/60R15Difference%
Overall diameter25.18"26.10"+0.93"+3.7%
Section width9.25"9.25"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.09"5.55"+0.46"+9.1%
Circumference79.10"82.00"+2.91"+3.7%
Revolutions per mile801.0772.7−28.4−3.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 235/55R15 and you fit 235/60R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.8 mph+1.8 mph
60 mph62.2 mph+2.2 mph
65 mph67.4 mph+2.4 mph
70 mph72.6 mph+2.6 mph
75 mph77.8 mph+2.8 mph
80 mph82.9 mph+2.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 235/55R15 or 235/60R15?
235/60R15 is taller by 0.93 inches (26.10" vs 25.18"). 235/55R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 235/55R15 with 235/60R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.7%, 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 235/60R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/60R15 fitted (calibrated for 235/55R15), your real speed is 62.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.7%.
Will 235/60R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.46 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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