225/70R14 vs 215/70R15

215/70R15 is 0.45 in (11.4 mm) taller than 225/70R14, a +1.70% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 225/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is 61.0 mph on 215/70R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.70%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 215/70R15 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 225/70R14. 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 215/70R15 (26.85 in)225/70R1426.40 in × 8.86 in215/70R1526.85 in × 8.46 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
225/70R14 vs 215/70R15 differences
Measurement225/70R14215/70R15Difference% diff
Overall diameter26.40 in (670.6 mm)26.85 in (682.0 mm)+0.45 in (+11.4 mm)+1.70%
Sidewall height6.20 in (157.5 mm)5.93 in (150.5 mm)−0.28 in (−7.0 mm)−4.44%
Section width8.86 in (225.0 mm)8.46 in (215.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−4.44%
Circumference82.94 in (2,106.8 mm)84.35 in (2,142.6 mm)+1.41 in (+35.8 mm)+1.70%
Revolutions per mile764751−13−1.67%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 225/70R14
IndicatedActual on 225/70R14Actual on 215/70R15Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.5 mph+0.5 mph
60 mph60.0 mph61.0 mph+1.0 mph
75 mph75.0 mph76.3 mph+1.3 mph

Ride-height change: 215/70R15 raises the vehicle by 0.22 in (5.7 mm) at the axle (half the +11.4 mm diameter difference).

215/70R15 is 0.45 in taller than 225/70R14 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.70% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 225/70R14, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.0 mph on 215/70R15, and revolutions per mile change from 764 to 751.

215/70R15 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 215/70R15

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