CarSpecsHQ

195/50R15 vs 225/50R15

225/50R15 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 195/50R15: the diameter differs by +5.21%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

15" rim
195/50R15 22.68" · 225/50R15 23.86" · drawn to scale

Side by side

195/50R15225/50R15Difference
Overall diameter22.68"23.86"+1.18" (+5.21%)
Section width195 mm225 mm+30 mm
Sidewall3.84"4.43"+0.59"
Rim15"15"same
Circumference71.2"75.0"+3.7"
Revs per mile889845-44
Ride height——+0.59"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.1+3.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.1 mph

With 225/50R15 on a car calibrated for 195/50R15, the speedometer reads 57.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.6 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.1 mph
70 mph73.6 mph
80 mph84.2 mph

Other sizes close to 195/50R15

Questions

Can I replace 195/50R15 with 225/50R15?

225/50R15 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 195/50R15: the diameter differs by +5.21%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 195/50R15 and 225/50R15?

225/50R15 is 1.18" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.59". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.

Will 225/50R15 fit on 195/50R15 wheels?

Both use a 15" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 225 mm tire and the fender clearance.