205/70R14 vs 215/60R15

215/60R15 is 0.14 in (3.6 mm) shorter than 205/70R14, a −0.56% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is 59.7 mph on 215/60R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.56%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 215/60R15 is a near match for 205/70R14; 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: 205/70R14 (25.30 in) vs 215/60R15 (25.16 in)205/70R1425.30 in × 8.07 in215/60R1525.16 in × 8.46 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
205/70R14 vs 215/60R15 differences
Measurement205/70R14215/60R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter25.30 in (642.6 mm)25.16 in (639.0 mm)−0.14 in (−3.6 mm)−0.56%
Sidewall height5.65 in (143.5 mm)5.08 in (129.0 mm)−0.57 in (−14.5 mm)−10.10%
Section width8.07 in (205.0 mm)8.46 in (215.0 mm)+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)+4.88%
Circumference79.48 in (2,018.8 mm)79.03 in (2,007.5 mm)−0.45 in (−11.3 mm)−0.56%
Revolutions per mile797802+4+0.56%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/70R14
IndicatedActual on 205/70R14Actual on 215/60R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.8 mph−0.2 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.7 mph−0.3 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.6 mph−0.4 mph

Ride-height change: 215/60R15 lowers the vehicle by 0.07 in (1.8 mm) at the axle (half the −3.6 mm diameter difference).

215/60R15 is 0.14 in shorter than 205/70R14 and 10 mm wider, a 0.56% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.7 mph on 215/60R15, and revolutions per mile change from 797 to 802.

215/60R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 205/70R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 205/70R14

Other comparisons with 215/60R15

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