165/70R13 vs 195/50R15

195/50R15 is 0.58 in (14.8 mm) taller than 165/70R13, a +2.64% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 165/70R13, an indicated 60 mph is 61.6 mph on 195/50R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +2.64%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 195/50R15 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 165/70R13. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

165/70R13 vs 195/50R15 differences
Measurement	165/70R13	195/50R15	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	22.09 in (561.2 mm)	22.68 in (576.0 mm)	+0.58 in (+14.8 mm)	+2.64%
Sidewall height	4.55 in (115.5 mm)	3.84 in (97.5 mm)	−0.71 in (−18.0 mm)	−15.58%
Section width	6.50 in (165.0 mm)	7.68 in (195.0 mm)	+1.18 in (+30.0 mm)	+18.18%
Circumference	69.41 in (1,763.1 mm)	71.24 in (1,809.6 mm)	+1.83 in (+46.5 mm)	+2.64%
Revolutions per mile	913	889	−23	−2.57%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 165/70R13
Indicated	Actual on 165/70R13	Actual on 195/50R15	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.8 mph	+0.8 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	61.6 mph	+1.6 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	77.0 mph	+2.0 mph

Ride-height change: 195/50R15 raises the vehicle by 0.29 in (7.4 mm) at the axle (half the +14.8 mm diameter difference).

195/50R15 is 0.58 in taller than 165/70R13 and 30 mm wider, a 2.64% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 165/70R13, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.6 mph on 195/50R15, and revolutions per mile change from 913 to 889.

195/50R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 13-inch wheel of 165/70R13.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 165/70R13

Other comparisons with 195/50R15

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.