TireSizesFinder

235/60R15 vs 215/60R16

215/60R16 is 0.06 in (1.4 mm) taller than 235/60R15, a +0.21% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 235/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.1 mph on 215/60R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.21%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 215/60R16 is a near match for 235/60R15; 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: 235/60R15 (26.10 in) vs 215/60R16 (26.16 in)235/60R1526.10 in × 9.25 in215/60R1626.16 in × 8.46 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
235/60R15 vs 215/60R16 differences
Measurement235/60R15215/60R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter26.10 in (663.0 mm)26.16 in (664.4 mm)+0.06 in (+1.4 mm)+0.21%
Sidewall height5.55 in (141.0 mm)5.08 in (129.0 mm)−0.47 in (−12.0 mm)−8.51%
Section width9.25 in (235.0 mm)8.46 in (215.0 mm)−0.79 in (−20.0 mm)−8.51%
Circumference82.00 in (2,082.9 mm)82.18 in (2,087.3 mm)+0.17 in (+4.4 mm)+0.21%
Revolutions per mile773771−2−0.21%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 235/60R15
IndicatedActual on 235/60R15Actual on 215/60R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.1 mph+0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.1 mph+0.1 mph
75 mph75.0 mph75.2 mph+0.2 mph

Ride-height change: 215/60R16 raises the vehicle by 0.03 in (0.7 mm) at the axle (half the +1.4 mm diameter difference).

215/60R16 is 0.06 in taller than 235/60R15 and 20 mm narrower, a 0.21% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 235/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.1 mph on 215/60R16, and revolutions per mile change from 773 to 771.

215/60R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 235/60R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 235/60R15

Other comparisons with 215/60R16

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