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Tire Size Comparison

225/70R15 vs 215/60R16

Switching from 225/70R15 to 215/60R16 changes overall diameter by -4.54% (27.40 in → 26.16 in).

-4.54%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 225/70R15, fitting 215/60R16 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h38.2 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57.3 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h76.4 km/h50 mph47 mph
100 km/h95.5 km/h62 mph59 mph
120 km/h114.6 km/h75 mph71 mph

Full comparison

225/70R15
Overall diameter696.0 mm · 27.40 in
Section width225 mm · 8.86 in
Sidewall height157.5 mm · 6.20 in
Circumference2186.5 mm · 86.1 in
Revolutions per mile736
Revolutions per km457
215/60R16
Overall diameter664.4 mm · 26.16 in
Section width215 mm · 8.46 in
Sidewall height129.0 mm · 5.08 in
Circumference2087.3 mm · 82.2 in
Revolutions per mile771
Revolutions per km479
Original tire
New tire
-4.54%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error
27.426.2
Original
Overall diameter696 mm · 27.4 in
Sidewall height157.5 mm
Circumference2,186.5 mm
Revolutions / mile736
New
Overall diameter664.4 mm · 26.16 in
Sidewall height129 mm
Circumference2,087.3 mm
Revolutions / mile771
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -4.54%. 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/h38.2 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57.3 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h76.4 km/h50 mph47 mph
100 km/h95.5 km/h62 mph59 mph
120 km/h114.6 km/h75 mph71 mph

See individual specs: 225/70R15 · 215/60R16. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.