TireSizesFinder

215/70R14 vs 205/65R15

205/65R15 is 0.36 in (9.1 mm) shorter than 215/70R14, a −1.39% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 215/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is 59.2 mph on 205/65R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.39%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 205/65R15 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 215/70R14. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 215/70R14 (25.85 in) vs 205/65R15 (25.49 in)215/70R1425.85 in × 8.46 in205/65R1525.49 in × 8.07 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
215/70R14 vs 205/65R15 differences
Measurement215/70R14205/65R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter25.85 in (656.6 mm)25.49 in (647.5 mm)−0.36 in (−9.1 mm)−1.39%
Sidewall height5.93 in (150.5 mm)5.25 in (133.3 mm)−0.68 in (−17.2 mm)−11.46%
Section width8.46 in (215.0 mm)8.07 in (205.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−4.65%
Circumference81.21 in (2,062.8 mm)80.09 in (2,034.2 mm)−1.13 in (−28.6 mm)−1.39%
Revolutions per mile780791+11+1.41%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 215/70R14
IndicatedActual on 215/70R14Actual on 205/65R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.6 mph−0.4 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.2 mph−0.8 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.0 mph−1.0 mph

Ride-height change: 205/65R15 lowers the vehicle by 0.18 in (4.5 mm) at the axle (half the −9.1 mm diameter difference).

205/65R15 is 0.36 in shorter than 215/70R14 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.39% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 215/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.2 mph on 205/65R15, and revolutions per mile change from 780 to 791.

205/65R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 215/70R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 215/70R14

Other comparisons with 205/65R15

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