175/80R13 vs 215/50R15

215/50R15 is 0.56 in (14.2 mm) shorter than 175/80R13, a −2.33% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 175/80R13, an indicated 60 mph is 58.6 mph on 215/50R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −2.33%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 215/50R15 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 175/80R13. 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.

175/80R13 vs 215/50R15 differences
Measurement	175/80R13	215/50R15	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	24.02 in (610.2 mm)	23.46 in (596.0 mm)	−0.56 in (−14.2 mm)	−2.33%
Sidewall height	5.51 in (140.0 mm)	4.23 in (107.5 mm)	−1.28 in (−32.5 mm)	−23.21%
Section width	6.89 in (175.0 mm)	8.46 in (215.0 mm)	+1.57 in (+40.0 mm)	+22.86%
Circumference	75.47 in (1,917.0 mm)	73.72 in (1,872.4 mm)	−1.76 in (−44.6 mm)	−2.33%
Revolutions per mile	840	860	+20	+2.38%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 175/80R13
Indicated	Actual on 175/80R13	Actual on 215/50R15	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	29.3 mph	−0.7 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	58.6 mph	−1.4 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	73.3 mph	−1.7 mph

Ride-height change: 215/50R15 lowers the vehicle by 0.28 in (7.1 mm) at the axle (half the −14.2 mm diameter difference).

215/50R15 is 0.56 in shorter than 175/80R13 and 40 mm wider, a 2.33% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 175/80R13, an indicated 60 mph is actually 58.6 mph on 215/50R15, and revolutions per mile change from 840 to 860.

215/50R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 13-inch wheel of 175/80R13.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 175/80R13

Other comparisons with 215/50R15

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