185/65R14 vs 175/60R15

175/60R15 is 0.20 in (5.1 mm) shorter than 185/65R14, a −0.86% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 185/65R14, an indicated 60 mph is 59.5 mph on 175/60R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.86%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 175/60R15 is a near match for 185/65R14; 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: 185/65R14 (23.47 in) vs 175/60R15 (23.27 in)185/65R1423.47 in × 7.28 in175/60R1523.27 in × 6.89 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
185/65R14 vs 175/60R15 differences
Measurement185/65R14175/60R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter23.47 in (596.1 mm)23.27 in (591.0 mm)−0.20 in (−5.1 mm)−0.86%
Sidewall height4.73 in (120.3 mm)4.13 in (105.0 mm)−0.60 in (−15.2 mm)−12.68%
Section width7.28 in (185.0 mm)6.89 in (175.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−5.41%
Circumference73.73 in (1,872.7 mm)73.10 in (1,856.7 mm)−0.63 in (−16.0 mm)−0.86%
Revolutions per mile859867+7+0.86%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 185/65R14
IndicatedActual on 185/65R14Actual on 175/60R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.7 mph−0.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.5 mph−0.5 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.4 mph−0.6 mph

Ride-height change: 175/60R15 lowers the vehicle by 0.10 in (2.5 mm) at the axle (half the −5.1 mm diameter difference).

175/60R15 is 0.20 in shorter than 185/65R14 and 10 mm narrower, a 0.86% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 185/65R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.5 mph on 175/60R15, and revolutions per mile change from 859 to 867.

175/60R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 185/65R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 185/65R14

Other comparisons with 175/60R15

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