TireSizesFinder

165/65R15 vs 185/60R15

185/60R15 is 0.30 in (7.5 mm) taller than 165/65R15, a +1.26% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 165/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.8 mph on 185/60R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.26%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 185/60R15 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 165/65R15. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 165/65R15 (23.44 in) vs 185/60R15 (23.74 in)165/65R1523.44 in × 6.50 in185/60R1523.74 in × 7.28 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
165/65R15 vs 185/60R15 differences
Measurement165/65R15185/60R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter23.44 in (595.5 mm)23.74 in (603.0 mm)+0.30 in (+7.5 mm)+1.26%
Sidewall height4.22 in (107.3 mm)4.37 in (111.0 mm)+0.15 in (+3.8 mm)+3.50%
Section width6.50 in (165.0 mm)7.28 in (185.0 mm)+0.79 in (+20.0 mm)+12.12%
Circumference73.65 in (1,870.8 mm)74.58 in (1,894.4 mm)+0.93 in (+23.6 mm)+1.26%
Revolutions per mile860850−11−1.24%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 165/65R15
IndicatedActual on 165/65R15Actual on 185/60R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.4 mph+0.4 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.8 mph+0.8 mph
75 mph75.0 mph75.9 mph+0.9 mph

Ride-height change: 185/60R15 raises the vehicle by 0.15 in (3.8 mm) at the axle (half the +7.5 mm diameter difference).

185/60R15 is 0.30 in taller than 165/65R15 and 20 mm wider, a 1.26% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 165/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.8 mph on 185/60R15, and revolutions per mile change from 860 to 850.

Both sizes mount on 15-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 165/65R15

Other comparisons with 185/60R15

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.