TireSizesFinder

225/70R15 vs 215/70R16

215/70R16 is 0.45 in (11.4 mm) taller than 225/70R15, a +1.64% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 225/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is 61.0 mph on 215/70R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.64%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 215/70R16 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 225/70R15. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 225/70R15 (27.40 in) vs 215/70R16 (27.85 in)225/70R1527.40 in × 8.86 in215/70R1627.85 in × 8.46 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
225/70R15 vs 215/70R16 differences
Measurement225/70R15215/70R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter27.40 in (696.0 mm)27.85 in (707.4 mm)+0.45 in (+11.4 mm)+1.64%
Sidewall height6.20 in (157.5 mm)5.93 in (150.5 mm)−0.28 in (−7.0 mm)−4.44%
Section width8.86 in (225.0 mm)8.46 in (215.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−4.44%
Circumference86.08 in (2,186.5 mm)87.49 in (2,222.4 mm)+1.41 in (+35.8 mm)+1.64%
Revolutions per mile736724−12−1.61%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 225/70R15
IndicatedActual on 225/70R15Actual on 215/70R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.5 mph+0.5 mph
60 mph60.0 mph61.0 mph+1.0 mph
75 mph75.0 mph76.2 mph+1.2 mph

Ride-height change: 215/70R16 raises the vehicle by 0.22 in (5.7 mm) at the axle (half the +11.4 mm diameter difference).

215/70R16 is 0.45 in taller than 225/70R15 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.64% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 225/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.0 mph on 215/70R16, and revolutions per mile change from 736 to 724.

215/70R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 225/70R15.

Size pages

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Other comparisons with 215/70R16

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