TireSizesFinder

235/70R15 vs 215/70R16

215/70R16 is 0.10 in (2.6 mm) shorter than 235/70R15, a −0.37% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 235/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is 59.8 mph on 215/70R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.37%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 215/70R16 is a near match for 235/70R15; 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: 235/70R15 (27.95 in) vs 215/70R16 (27.85 in)235/70R1527.95 in × 9.25 in215/70R1627.85 in × 8.46 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
235/70R15 vs 215/70R16 differences
Measurement235/70R15215/70R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter27.95 in (710.0 mm)27.85 in (707.4 mm)−0.10 in (−2.6 mm)−0.37%
Sidewall height6.48 in (164.5 mm)5.93 in (150.5 mm)−0.55 in (−14.0 mm)−8.51%
Section width9.25 in (235.0 mm)8.46 in (215.0 mm)−0.79 in (−20.0 mm)−8.51%
Circumference87.82 in (2,230.5 mm)87.49 in (2,222.4 mm)−0.32 in (−8.2 mm)−0.37%
Revolutions per mile722724+3+0.37%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 235/70R15
IndicatedActual on 235/70R15Actual on 215/70R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.8 mph−0.2 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.7 mph−0.3 mph

Ride-height change: 215/70R16 lowers the vehicle by 0.05 in (1.3 mm) at the axle (half the −2.6 mm diameter difference).

215/70R16 is 0.10 in shorter than 235/70R15 and 20 mm narrower, a 0.37% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 235/70R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.8 mph on 215/70R16, and revolutions per mile change from 722 to 724.

215/70R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 235/70R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 235/70R15

Other comparisons with 215/70R16

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