215/50R15 vs 225/50R15

225/50R15 is 0.39 in (10.0 mm) taller than 215/50R15, a +1.68% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 215/50R15, an indicated 60 mph is 61.0 mph on 225/50R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.68%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 225/50R15 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 215/50R15. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 215/50R15 (23.46 in) vs 225/50R15 (23.86 in)215/50R1523.46 in × 8.46 in225/50R1523.86 in × 8.86 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
215/50R15 vs 225/50R15 differences
Measurement215/50R15225/50R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter23.46 in (596.0 mm)23.86 in (606.0 mm)+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)+1.68%
Sidewall height4.23 in (107.5 mm)4.43 in (112.5 mm)+0.20 in (+5.0 mm)+4.65%
Section width8.46 in (215.0 mm)8.86 in (225.0 mm)+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)+4.65%
Circumference73.72 in (1,872.4 mm)74.95 in (1,903.8 mm)+1.24 in (+31.4 mm)+1.68%
Revolutions per mile860845−14−1.65%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 215/50R15
IndicatedActual on 215/50R15Actual on 225/50R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.5 mph+0.5 mph
60 mph60.0 mph61.0 mph+1.0 mph
75 mph75.0 mph76.3 mph+1.3 mph

Ride-height change: 225/50R15 raises the vehicle by 0.20 in (5.0 mm) at the axle (half the +10.0 mm diameter difference).

225/50R15 is 0.39 in taller than 215/50R15 and 10 mm wider, a 1.68% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 215/50R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.0 mph on 225/50R15, and revolutions per mile change from 860 to 845.

Both sizes mount on 15-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 215/50R15

Other comparisons with 225/50R15

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