205/65R15 vs 225/60R15

225/60R15 is 0.14 in (3.5 mm) taller than 205/65R15, a +0.54% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.3 mph on 225/60R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.54%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 225/60R15 is a near match for 205/65R15; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. 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.

205/65R15 vs 225/60R15 differences
Measurement	205/65R15	225/60R15	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	25.49 in (647.5 mm)	25.63 in (651.0 mm)	+0.14 in (+3.5 mm)	+0.54%
Sidewall height	5.25 in (133.3 mm)	5.31 in (135.0 mm)	+0.07 in (+1.8 mm)	+1.31%
Section width	8.07 in (205.0 mm)	8.86 in (225.0 mm)	+0.79 in (+20.0 mm)	+9.76%
Circumference	80.09 in (2,034.2 mm)	80.52 in (2,045.2 mm)	+0.43 in (+11.0 mm)	+0.54%
Revolutions per mile	791	787	−4	−0.54%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/65R15
Indicated	Actual on 205/65R15	Actual on 225/60R15	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.2 mph	+0.2 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.3 mph	+0.3 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.4 mph	+0.4 mph

Ride-height change: 225/60R15 raises the vehicle by 0.07 in (1.8 mm) at the axle (half the +3.5 mm diameter difference).

225/60R15 is 0.14 in taller than 205/65R15 and 20 mm wider, a 0.54% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.3 mph on 225/60R15, and revolutions per mile change from 791 to 787.

Both sizes mount on 15-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 205/65R15

Other comparisons with 225/60R15

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