215/75R14 vs 205/70R15

205/70R15 is 0.40 in (10.1 mm) shorter than 215/75R14, a −1.49% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 215/75R14, an indicated 60 mph is 59.1 mph on 205/70R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.49%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 205/70R15 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 215/75R14. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 215/75R14 (26.70 in) vs 205/70R15 (26.30 in)215/75R1426.70 in × 8.46 in205/70R1526.30 in × 8.07 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
215/75R14 vs 205/70R15 differences
Measurement215/75R14205/70R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter26.70 in (678.1 mm)26.30 in (668.0 mm)−0.40 in (−10.1 mm)−1.49%
Sidewall height6.35 in (161.3 mm)5.65 in (143.5 mm)−0.70 in (−17.7 mm)−11.01%
Section width8.46 in (215.0 mm)8.07 in (205.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−4.65%
Circumference83.87 in (2,130.3 mm)82.62 in (2,098.6 mm)−1.25 in (−31.7 mm)−1.49%
Revolutions per mile755767+11+1.51%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 215/75R14
IndicatedActual on 215/75R14Actual on 205/70R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.6 mph−0.4 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.1 mph−0.9 mph
75 mph75.0 mph73.9 mph−1.1 mph

Ride-height change: 205/70R15 lowers the vehicle by 0.20 in (5.0 mm) at the axle (half the −10.1 mm diameter difference).

205/70R15 is 0.40 in shorter than 215/75R14 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.49% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 215/75R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.1 mph on 205/70R15, and revolutions per mile change from 755 to 767.

205/70R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 215/75R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 215/75R14

Other comparisons with 205/70R15

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