225/70R14 vs 205/70R15

205/70R15 is 0.10 in (2.6 mm) shorter than 225/70R14, a −0.39% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 225/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is 59.8 mph on 205/70R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.39%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 205/70R15 is a near match for 225/70R14; 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: 225/70R14 (26.40 in) vs 205/70R15 (26.30 in)225/70R1426.40 in × 8.86 in205/70R1526.30 in × 8.07 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
225/70R14 vs 205/70R15 differences
Measurement225/70R14205/70R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter26.40 in (670.6 mm)26.30 in (668.0 mm)−0.10 in (−2.6 mm)−0.39%
Sidewall height6.20 in (157.5 mm)5.65 in (143.5 mm)−0.55 in (−14.0 mm)−8.89%
Section width8.86 in (225.0 mm)8.07 in (205.0 mm)−0.79 in (−20.0 mm)−8.89%
Circumference82.94 in (2,106.8 mm)82.62 in (2,098.6 mm)−0.32 in (−8.2 mm)−0.39%
Revolutions per mile764767+3+0.39%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 225/70R14
IndicatedActual on 225/70R14Actual on 205/70R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.8 mph−0.2 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.7 mph−0.3 mph

Ride-height change: 205/70R15 lowers the vehicle by 0.05 in (1.3 mm) at the axle (half the −2.6 mm diameter difference).

205/70R15 is 0.10 in shorter than 225/70R14 and 20 mm narrower, a 0.39% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 225/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.8 mph on 205/70R15, and revolutions per mile change from 764 to 767.

205/70R15 mounts on a 15-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 14-inch wheel of 225/70R14.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 225/70R14

Other comparisons with 205/70R15

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