Skip to main content
Tire Size Comparison

205/70R15 vs 205/65R15

Switching from 205/70R15 to 205/65R15 changes overall diameter by -3.07% (26.30 in → 25.49 in).

-3.07%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 205/70R15, fitting 205/65R15 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h38.8 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.2 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h77.5 km/h50 mph48 mph
100 km/h96.9 km/h62 mph60 mph
120 km/h116.3 km/h75 mph72 mph

Full comparison

205/70R15
Overall diameter668.0 mm · 26.30 in
Section width205 mm · 8.07 in
Sidewall height143.5 mm · 5.65 in
Circumference2098.6 mm · 82.6 in
Revolutions per mile767
Revolutions per km477
205/65R15
Overall diameter647.5 mm · 25.49 in
Section width205 mm · 8.07 in
Sidewall height133.3 mm · 5.25 in
Circumference2034.2 mm · 80.1 in
Revolutions per mile791
Revolutions per km492
Original tire
New tire
-3.07%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error
26.325.5
Original
Overall diameter668 mm · 26.3 in
Sidewall height143.5 mm
Circumference2,098.6 mm
Revolutions / mile766.9
New
Overall diameter647.5 mm · 25.49 in
Sidewall height133.3 mm
Circumference2,034.2 mm
Revolutions / mile791.2
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -3.07%. With a speedometer calibrated to the original tire, that same percentage is how far the speedometer and odometer read off — a taller tire means your true speed is higher than indicated and the odometer under-counts distance.

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h38.8 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.2 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h77.5 km/h50 mph48 mph
100 km/h96.9 km/h62 mph60 mph
120 km/h116.3 km/h75 mph72 mph

See individual specs: 205/70R15 · 205/65R15. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.