CarSpecsHQ

225/50R15 vs 195/65R15

195/65R15 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/50R15: the diameter differs by +4.70%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

15" rim
225/50R15 23.86" · 195/65R15 24.98" · drawn to scale

Side by side

225/50R15195/65R15Difference
Overall diameter23.86"24.98"+1.12" (+4.70%)
Section width225 mm195 mm-30 mm
Sidewall4.43"4.99"+0.56"
Rim15"15"same
Circumference75.0"78.5"+3.5"
Revs per mile845807-38
Ride height——+0.56"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.8+2.8 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.8 mph

With 195/65R15 on a car calibrated for 225/50R15, the speedometer reads 57.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.7%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.1 mph
60 mph62.8 mph
70 mph73.3 mph
80 mph83.8 mph

Other sizes close to 225/50R15

Questions

Can I replace 225/50R15 with 195/65R15?

195/65R15 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/50R15: the diameter differs by +4.70%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 225/50R15 and 195/65R15?

195/65R15 is 1.12" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.56". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.8 mph.

Will 195/65R15 fit on 225/50R15 wheels?

Both use a 15" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 195 mm tire and the fender clearance.