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Tire Size Comparison

215/70R15 vs 205/65R15

Switching from 215/70R15 to 205/65R15 changes overall diameter by -5.06% (26.85 in → 25.49 in).

-5.06%Not recommended — recalibrate the speedometer

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 215/70R15, fitting 205/65R15 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h38.0 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57.0 km/h37 mph35 mph
80 km/h76.0 km/h50 mph47 mph
100 km/h94.9 km/h62 mph59 mph
120 km/h113.9 km/h75 mph71 mph

Full comparison

215/70R15
Overall diameter682.0 mm · 26.85 in
Section width215 mm · 8.46 in
Sidewall height150.5 mm · 5.93 in
Circumference2142.6 mm · 84.4 in
Revolutions per mile751
Revolutions per km467
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
-5.06%Not recommended — recalibrate the speedometer
26.925.5
Original
Overall diameter682 mm · 26.85 in
Sidewall height150.5 mm
Circumference2,142.6 mm
Revolutions / mile751.1
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 -5.06%. 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 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57 km/h37 mph35 mph
80 km/h76 km/h50 mph47 mph
100 km/h94.9 km/h62 mph59 mph
120 km/h113.9 km/h75 mph71 mph

See individual specs: 215/70R15 · 205/65R15. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.