GarageCalc What 215/70R16 means
215 is the section width in millimeters (8.5 in). 70 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 70 percent of the width, so 215 × 0.70 = 151 mm (5.9 in). R is radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches (406 mm). Stack two sidewalls on the wheel and you get the overall diameter: 406 + 2 × 151 = 707 mm, or 27.9 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 215/70R16 91V. Those two codes set how much weight and speed the tire is certified for; look them up in the load index chart and the speed rating chart.
Plus and minus sizing from 215/70R16
Similar diameter does not establish interchangeability. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's approved sizes; see Michelin's tire-size guidance.
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 215/65R17 at +0.6% diameter with a 140 mm sidewall instead of 151 mm. Going down one size, 235/70R15 is +0.4% with a taller 165 mm sidewall for more comfort and pothole margin. The 3 percent cutoff is a comparison filter, not a fitment approval. Use vehicle-approved sizes and check rim width, load and speed ratings, and clearances. The comparison calculator shows the full speedometer table for any pair.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a 215/70R16 tire?
27.9 inches (707 mm) in overall diameter: the 16-inch wheel (406 mm) plus two 151 mm sidewalls. Actual dimensions depend on the tire model, tread depth, pressure and load; check the tire manufacturer specifications.
What is 215/70R16 in inches?
27.9 x 8.5 R16: 27.9 inches tall, 8.5 inches wide, on a 16-inch wheel. The sidewall is 5.9 inches and the circumference is 87.5 inches, so the tire turns 724 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 215/70R16?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 16-inch wheel: 235/65R16 (+0.6%), 225/65R16 (-1.2%), 225/70R16 (+2.0%); on a 17-inch wheel: 215/65R17 (+0.6%), 225/60R17 (-0.8%); on a 15-inch wheel: 235/70R15 (+0.4%), 215/75R15 (-0.6%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 225/65R16 instead of 215/70R16?
Nominal size comparison only: 225/65R16 is 1.2% shorter (-9 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 60.7 mph. This does not confirm fitment. Check approved rim widths, load and speed ratings, and vehicle clearances. The nominal extra width adds about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 225 mm.