TireSizesFinder

215/65R15 vs 205/55R17

205/55R17 is 0.13 in (3.2 mm) shorter than 215/65R15, a −0.48% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 215/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.7 mph on 205/55R17.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.48%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 205/55R17 is a near match for 215/65R15; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 215/65R15 (26.00 in) vs 205/55R17 (25.88 in)215/65R1526.00 in × 8.46 in205/55R1725.88 in × 8.07 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
215/65R15 vs 205/55R17 differences
Measurement215/65R15205/55R17Difference% diff
Overall diameter26.00 in (660.5 mm)25.88 in (657.3 mm)−0.13 in (−3.2 mm)−0.48%
Sidewall height5.50 in (139.8 mm)4.44 in (112.8 mm)−1.06 in (−27.0 mm)−19.32%
Section width8.46 in (215.0 mm)8.07 in (205.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−4.65%
Circumference81.69 in (2,075.0 mm)81.30 in (2,065.0 mm)−0.40 in (−10.1 mm)−0.48%
Revolutions per mile776779+4+0.49%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 215/65R15
IndicatedActual on 215/65R15Actual on 205/55R17Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.7 mph−0.3 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.6 mph−0.4 mph

Ride-height change: 205/55R17 lowers the vehicle by 0.06 in (1.6 mm) at the axle (half the −3.2 mm diameter difference).

205/55R17 is 0.13 in shorter than 215/65R15 and 10 mm narrower, a 0.48% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 215/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.7 mph on 205/55R17, and revolutions per mile change from 776 to 779.

205/55R17 mounts on a 17-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 215/65R15.

Size pages

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