195/65R14 vs 205/55R15

205/55R15 is 0.10 in (2.6 mm) shorter than 195/65R14, a −0.43% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 195/65R14, an indicated 60 mph is 59.7 mph on 205/55R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.43%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 205/55R15 is a near match for 195/65R14; 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: 195/65R14 (23.98 in) vs 205/55R15 (23.88 in)195/65R1423.98 in × 7.68 in205/55R1523.88 in × 8.07 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
195/65R14 vs 205/55R15 differences
Measurement195/65R14205/55R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter23.98 in (609.1 mm)23.88 in (606.5 mm)−0.10 in (−2.6 mm)−0.43%
Sidewall height4.99 in (126.8 mm)4.44 in (112.8 mm)−0.55 in (−14.0 mm)−11.05%
Section width7.68 in (195.0 mm)8.07 in (205.0 mm)+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)+5.13%
Circumference75.34 in (1,913.5 mm)75.01 in (1,905.4 mm)−0.32 in (−8.2 mm)−0.43%
Revolutions per mile841845+4+0.43%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 195/65R14
IndicatedActual on 195/65R14Actual on 205/55R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.7 mph−0.3 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.7 mph−0.3 mph

Ride-height change: 205/55R15 lowers the vehicle by 0.05 in (1.3 mm) at the axle (half the −2.6 mm diameter difference).

205/55R15 is 0.10 in shorter than 195/65R14 and 10 mm wider, a 0.43% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 195/65R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.7 mph on 205/55R15, and revolutions per mile change from 841 to 845.

205/55R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 195/65R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 195/65R14

Other comparisons with 205/55R15

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