235/60R15 vs 225/65R15

225/65R15 is 0.41 in (10.5 mm) taller than 235/60R15, a +1.58% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 235/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is 61.0 mph on 225/65R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.58%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 225/65R15 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 235/60R15. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

235/60R15 vs 225/65R15 differences
Measurement	235/60R15	225/65R15	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	26.10 in (663.0 mm)	26.52 in (673.5 mm)	+0.41 in (+10.5 mm)	+1.58%
Sidewall height	5.55 in (141.0 mm)	5.76 in (146.3 mm)	+0.21 in (+5.3 mm)	+3.72%
Section width	9.25 in (235.0 mm)	8.86 in (225.0 mm)	−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)	−4.26%
Circumference	82.00 in (2,082.9 mm)	83.30 in (2,115.9 mm)	+1.30 in (+33.0 mm)	+1.58%
Revolutions per mile	773	761	−12	−1.56%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 235/60R15
Indicated	Actual on 235/60R15	Actual on 225/65R15	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.5 mph	+0.5 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	61.0 mph	+1.0 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	76.2 mph	+1.2 mph

Ride-height change: 225/65R15 raises the vehicle by 0.21 in (5.3 mm) at the axle (half the +10.5 mm diameter difference).

225/65R15 is 0.41 in taller than 235/60R15 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.58% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 235/60R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.0 mph on 225/65R15, and revolutions per mile change from 773 to 761.

Both sizes mount on 15-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 235/60R15

Other comparisons with 225/65R15

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.