TireSizesFinder

205/55R15 vs 215/40R17

215/40R17 is 0.11 in (2.7 mm) shorter than 205/55R15, a −0.45% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/55R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.7 mph on 215/40R17.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.45%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 215/40R17 is a near match for 205/55R15; 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: 205/55R15 (23.88 in) vs 215/40R17 (23.77 in)205/55R1523.88 in × 8.07 in215/40R1723.77 in × 8.46 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
205/55R15 vs 215/40R17 differences
Measurement205/55R15215/40R17Difference% diff
Overall diameter23.88 in (606.5 mm)23.77 in (603.8 mm)−0.11 in (−2.7 mm)−0.45%
Sidewall height4.44 in (112.8 mm)3.39 in (86.0 mm)−1.05 in (−26.7 mm)−23.73%
Section width8.07 in (205.0 mm)8.46 in (215.0 mm)+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)+4.88%
Circumference75.01 in (1,905.4 mm)74.68 in (1,896.9 mm)−0.33 in (−8.5 mm)−0.45%
Revolutions per mile845848+4+0.45%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/55R15
IndicatedActual on 205/55R15Actual on 215/40R17Difference
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: 215/40R17 lowers the vehicle by 0.05 in (1.4 mm) at the axle (half the −2.7 mm diameter difference).

215/40R17 is 0.11 in shorter than 205/55R15 and 10 mm wider, a 0.45% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/55R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.7 mph on 215/40R17, and revolutions per mile change from 845 to 848.

215/40R17 mounts on a 17-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 205/55R15.

Size pages

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