TireSizesFinder

175/70R14 vs 215/50R15

215/50R15 is 0.18 in (4.6 mm) shorter than 175/70R14, a −0.77% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 175/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is 59.5 mph on 215/50R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.77%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 215/50R15 is a near match for 175/70R14; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 175/70R14 (23.65 in) vs 215/50R15 (23.46 in)175/70R1423.65 in × 6.89 in215/50R1523.46 in × 8.46 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
175/70R14 vs 215/50R15 differences
Measurement175/70R14215/50R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter23.65 in (600.6 mm)23.46 in (596.0 mm)−0.18 in (−4.6 mm)−0.77%
Sidewall height4.82 in (122.5 mm)4.23 in (107.5 mm)−0.59 in (−15.0 mm)−12.24%
Section width6.89 in (175.0 mm)8.46 in (215.0 mm)+1.57 in (+40.0 mm)+22.86%
Circumference74.29 in (1,886.8 mm)73.72 in (1,872.4 mm)−0.57 in (−14.5 mm)−0.77%
Revolutions per mile853860+7+0.77%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 175/70R14
IndicatedActual on 175/70R14Actual on 215/50R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.8 mph−0.2 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.5 mph−0.5 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.4 mph−0.6 mph

Ride-height change: 215/50R15 lowers the vehicle by 0.09 in (2.3 mm) at the axle (half the −4.6 mm diameter difference).

215/50R15 is 0.18 in shorter than 175/70R14 and 40 mm wider, a 0.77% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 175/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.5 mph on 215/50R15, and revolutions per mile change from 853 to 860.

215/50R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 175/70R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 175/70R14

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Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.