TireSizesFinder

165/65R15 vs 215/50R15

215/50R15 is 0.02 in (0.5 mm) taller than 165/65R15, a +0.08% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 165/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.1 mph on 215/50R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.08%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 215/50R15 is a near match for 165/65R15; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. 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 215/50R15 (23.46 in)165/65R1523.44 in × 6.50 in215/50R1523.46 in × 8.46 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
165/65R15 vs 215/50R15 differences
Measurement165/65R15215/50R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter23.44 in (595.5 mm)23.46 in (596.0 mm)+0.02 in (+0.5 mm)+0.08%
Sidewall height4.22 in (107.3 mm)4.23 in (107.5 mm)+0.01 in (+0.3 mm)+0.23%
Section width6.50 in (165.0 mm)8.46 in (215.0 mm)+1.97 in (+50.0 mm)+30.30%
Circumference73.65 in (1,870.8 mm)73.72 in (1,872.4 mm)+0.06 in (+1.6 mm)+0.08%
Revolutions per mile860860−1−0.08%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 165/65R15
IndicatedActual on 165/65R15Actual on 215/50R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.0 mph0.0 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.1 mph+0.1 mph
75 mph75.0 mph75.1 mph+0.1 mph

Ride-height change: 215/50R15 raises the vehicle by 0.01 in (0.3 mm) at the axle (half the +0.5 mm diameter difference).

215/50R15 is 0.02 in taller than 165/65R15 and 50 mm wider, a 0.08% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 165/65R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.1 mph on 215/50R15, and revolutions per mile change from 860 to 860.

Both sizes mount on 15-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 165/65R15

Other comparisons with 215/50R15

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