165/70R14 vs 175/60R15

175/60R15 is 0.17 in (4.4 mm) taller than 165/70R14, a +0.75% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 165/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is 60.5 mph on 175/60R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.75%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 175/60R15 is a near match for 165/70R14; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

165/70R14 vs 175/60R15 differences
Measurement	165/70R14	175/60R15	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	23.09 in (586.6 mm)	23.27 in (591.0 mm)	+0.17 in (+4.4 mm)	+0.75%
Sidewall height	4.55 in (115.5 mm)	4.13 in (105.0 mm)	−0.41 in (−10.5 mm)	−9.09%
Section width	6.50 in (165.0 mm)	6.89 in (175.0 mm)	+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)	+6.06%
Circumference	72.55 in (1,842.9 mm)	73.10 in (1,856.7 mm)	+0.54 in (+13.8 mm)	+0.75%
Revolutions per mile	873	867	−7	−0.74%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 165/70R14
Indicated	Actual on 165/70R14	Actual on 175/60R15	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.2 mph	+0.2 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.5 mph	+0.5 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.6 mph	+0.6 mph

Ride-height change: 175/60R15 raises the vehicle by 0.09 in (2.2 mm) at the axle (half the +4.4 mm diameter difference).

175/60R15 is 0.17 in taller than 165/70R14 and 10 mm wider, a 0.75% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 165/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.5 mph on 175/60R15, and revolutions per mile change from 873 to 867.

175/60R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 165/70R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 165/70R14

Other comparisons with 175/60R15

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.