215/75R15 vs 235/75R15

235/75R15 is 1.18 in (30.0 mm) taller than 215/75R15, a +4.26% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 215/75R15, an indicated 60 mph is 62.6 mph on 235/75R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +4.26%: outside the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 235/75R15 falls outside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 215/75R15; speedometer and ride-height changes are larger. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 215/75R15 (27.70 in) vs 235/75R15 (28.88 in)215/75R1527.70 in × 8.46 in235/75R1528.88 in × 9.25 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
215/75R15 vs 235/75R15 differences
Measurement215/75R15235/75R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter27.70 in (703.5 mm)28.88 in (733.5 mm)+1.18 in (+30.0 mm)+4.26%
Sidewall height6.35 in (161.3 mm)6.94 in (176.3 mm)+0.59 in (+15.0 mm)+9.30%
Section width8.46 in (215.0 mm)9.25 in (235.0 mm)+0.79 in (+20.0 mm)+9.30%
Circumference87.01 in (2,210.1 mm)90.72 in (2,304.4 mm)+3.71 in (+94.2 mm)+4.26%
Revolutions per mile728698−30−4.09%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 215/75R15
IndicatedActual on 215/75R15Actual on 235/75R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph31.3 mph+1.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph62.6 mph+2.6 mph
75 mph75.0 mph78.2 mph+3.2 mph

Ride-height change: 235/75R15 raises the vehicle by 0.59 in (15.0 mm) at the axle (half the +30.0 mm diameter difference).

235/75R15 is 1.18 in taller than 215/75R15 and 20 mm wider, a 4.26% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 215/75R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 62.6 mph on 235/75R15, and revolutions per mile change from 728 to 698.

Both sizes mount on 15-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 215/75R15

Other comparisons with 235/75R15

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