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Tire Size Comparison

225/60R16 vs 205/70R15

Switching from 225/60R16 to 205/70R15 changes overall diameter by -1.24% (26.63 in → 26.30 in).

-1.24%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 225/60R16, fitting 205/70R15 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.5 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.3 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.0 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.8 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h118.5 km/h75 mph74 mph

Full comparison

225/60R16
Overall diameter676.4 mm · 26.63 in
Section width225 mm · 8.86 in
Sidewall height135.0 mm · 5.31 in
Circumference2125.0 mm · 83.7 in
Revolutions per mile757
Revolutions per km471
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
Original tire
New tire
-1.24%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
26.626.3
Original
Overall diameter676.4 mm · 26.63 in
Sidewall height135 mm
Circumference2,125 mm
Revolutions / mile757.3
New
Overall diameter668 mm · 26.3 in
Sidewall height143.5 mm
Circumference2,098.6 mm
Revolutions / mile766.9
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -1.24%. 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/h39.5 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.3 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.8 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h118.5 km/h75 mph74 mph

See individual specs: 225/60R16 · 205/70R15. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.