205/60R14 vs 215/50R15

215/50R15 is 0.22 in (5.6 mm) shorter than 205/60R14, a −0.93% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/60R14, an indicated 60 mph is 59.4 mph on 215/50R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.93%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 215/50R15 is a near match for 205/60R14; 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: 205/60R14 (23.69 in) vs 215/50R15 (23.46 in)205/60R1423.69 in × 8.07 in215/50R1523.46 in × 8.46 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
205/60R14 vs 215/50R15 differences
Measurement205/60R14215/50R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter23.69 in (601.6 mm)23.46 in (596.0 mm)−0.22 in (−5.6 mm)−0.93%
Sidewall height4.84 in (123.0 mm)4.23 in (107.5 mm)−0.61 in (−15.5 mm)−12.60%
Section width8.07 in (205.0 mm)8.46 in (215.0 mm)+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)+4.88%
Circumference74.41 in (1,890.0 mm)73.72 in (1,872.4 mm)−0.69 in (−17.6 mm)−0.93%
Revolutions per mile852860+8+0.94%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/60R14
IndicatedActual on 205/60R14Actual on 215/50R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.7 mph−0.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.4 mph−0.6 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.3 mph−0.7 mph

Ride-height change: 215/50R15 lowers the vehicle by 0.11 in (2.8 mm) at the axle (half the −5.6 mm diameter difference).

215/50R15 is 0.22 in shorter than 205/60R14 and 10 mm wider, a 0.93% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/60R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.4 mph on 215/50R15, and revolutions per mile change from 852 to 860.

215/50R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 205/60R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 205/60R14

Other comparisons with 215/50R15

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