175/70R14 vs 195/55R15

195/55R15 is 0.20 in (5.1 mm) shorter than 175/70R14, a −0.85% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 175/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is 59.5 mph on 195/55R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.85%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 195/55R15 is a near match for 175/70R14; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 175/70R14 (23.65 in) vs 195/55R15 (23.44 in)175/70R1423.65 in × 6.89 in195/55R1523.44 in × 7.68 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
175/70R14 vs 195/55R15 differences
Measurement175/70R14195/55R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter23.65 in (600.6 mm)23.44 in (595.5 mm)−0.20 in (−5.1 mm)−0.85%
Sidewall height4.82 in (122.5 mm)4.22 in (107.3 mm)−0.60 in (−15.2 mm)−12.45%
Section width6.89 in (175.0 mm)7.68 in (195.0 mm)+0.79 in (+20.0 mm)+11.43%
Circumference74.29 in (1,886.8 mm)73.65 in (1,870.8 mm)−0.63 in (−16.0 mm)−0.85%
Revolutions per mile853860+7+0.86%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 175/70R14
IndicatedActual on 175/70R14Actual on 195/55R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.7 mph−0.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.5 mph−0.5 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.4 mph−0.6 mph

Ride-height change: 195/55R15 lowers the vehicle by 0.10 in (2.5 mm) at the axle (half the −5.1 mm diameter difference).

195/55R15 is 0.20 in shorter than 175/70R14 and 20 mm wider, a 0.85% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 175/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.5 mph on 195/55R15, and revolutions per mile change from 853 to 860.

195/55R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 175/70R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 175/70R14

Other comparisons with 195/55R15

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