SidewallerTire & wheel calculators

205/55R15 vs 185/65R15

185/65R15 is 2.5% taller (+0.59 in) and 0.79 in narrower than 205/55R15.

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Close match

185/65R15 is 2.5% taller than 205/55R15. That is inside the ±3% most shops treat as a straight swap.

205/55R15185/65R15Change
Diameter23.88″24.47″+0.59″+2.5%
Width8.07″7.28″−0.79″−9.8%
Sidewall4.44″4.73″+0.30″+6.7%
Circumference75.0″76.9″+1.9″+2.5%
Wheel15″15″Same
Revs per mile845824−20
SideTread
205/55R15185/65R15
Speedometer shows 60 mph61.5mph

Real speed on 185/65R15.

Ground clearance+0.30in

Change in height under the axle.

Width per side−0.39in

On the same wheel, split inboard and outboard.

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205/55R15 or 185/65R15?

Can I use 185/65R15 instead of 205/55R15?

185/65R15 is 2.5% taller than 205/55R15. That is inside the ±3% most shops treat as a straight swap. Also match or beat the original load index and speed rating, and check that the wheel width suits the new tire.

Will my speedometer be off?

At an indicated 60 mph on 185/65R15 you are really doing 61.5 mph if the speedometer was set up for 205/55R15. Going the other way, 205/55R15 would make it read 58.6 mph at a real 60.

How much ground clearance does it change?

Half the diameter difference: +0.30 in (+8 mm) under the axle.

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