TireSizesFinder

205/65R15 vs 195/70R15

195/70R15 is 0.26 in (6.5 mm) taller than 205/65R15, a +1.00% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.6 mph on 195/70R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.00%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 195/70R15 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 205/65R15. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 205/65R15 (25.49 in) vs 195/70R15 (25.75 in)205/65R1525.49 in × 8.07 in195/70R1525.75 in × 7.68 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
205/65R15 vs 195/70R15 differences
Measurement205/65R15195/70R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter25.49 in (647.5 mm)25.75 in (654.0 mm)+0.26 in (+6.5 mm)+1.00%
Sidewall height5.25 in (133.3 mm)5.37 in (136.5 mm)+0.13 in (+3.3 mm)+2.44%
Section width8.07 in (205.0 mm)7.68 in (195.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−4.88%
Circumference80.09 in (2,034.2 mm)80.89 in (2,054.6 mm)+0.80 in (+20.4 mm)+1.00%
Revolutions per mile791783−8−0.99%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/65R15
IndicatedActual on 205/65R15Actual on 195/70R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.3 mph+0.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.6 mph+0.6 mph
75 mph75.0 mph75.8 mph+0.8 mph

Ride-height change: 195/70R15 raises the vehicle by 0.13 in (3.3 mm) at the axle (half the +6.5 mm diameter difference).

195/70R15 is 0.26 in taller than 205/65R15 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.00% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.6 mph on 195/70R15, and revolutions per mile change from 791 to 783.

Both sizes mount on 15-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 205/65R15

Other comparisons with 195/70R15

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