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Tire Size Comparison

225/70R16 vs 225/70R15

Switching from 225/70R16 to 225/70R15 changes overall diameter by -3.52% (28.40 in → 27.40 in).

-3.52%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error

Speedometer error

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

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h38.6 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57.9 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h77.2 km/h50 mph48 mph
100 km/h96.5 km/h62 mph60 mph
120 km/h115.8 km/h75 mph72 mph

Full comparison

225/70R16
Overall diameter721.4 mm · 28.40 in
Section width225 mm · 8.86 in
Sidewall height157.5 mm · 6.20 in
Circumference2266.3 mm · 89.2 in
Revolutions per mile710
Revolutions per km441
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
Original tire
New tire
-3.52%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error
28.427.4
Original
Overall diameter721.4 mm · 28.4 in
Sidewall height157.5 mm
Circumference2,266.3 mm
Revolutions / mile710.1
New
Overall diameter696 mm · 27.4 in
Sidewall height157.5 mm
Circumference2,186.5 mm
Revolutions / mile736
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -3.52%. 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/h38.6 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57.9 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h77.2 km/h50 mph48 mph
100 km/h96.5 km/h62 mph60 mph
120 km/h115.8 km/h75 mph72 mph

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