205/70R15 tires: size explained
205/70R15 is a Euro-metric tire size. It is about 26.3 in (668 mm) tall, 205 mm wide, and made for a 15-inch wheel.
What 205/70R15 means
A tire size describes the tire's shape and the wheel it fits. It says nothing about load capacity or speed capability, which are printed separately on the sidewall.
- No letterEuro-metric
- With no letter in front of the width, this is a Euro-metric size (also called hard metric). It has the same dimensions as the P-metric version but is built to a different load standard, so its load capacity can differ.
- 205Section width
- The tire's width is 205 millimeters (8.1 in), measured from sidewall to sidewall.
- 70Aspect ratio
- The sidewall height is 70% of the width. For 205 mm that is about 5.6 in (144 mm). A smaller number means a shorter sidewall.
- RRadial construction
- R means radial construction, where the internal cords run across the tire from one edge to the other.
- 15Wheel (rim) diameter
- The tire is made for a wheel 15 inches across. Its overall diameter is larger: about 26.3 in (668 mm).
205/70R15 dimensions
- Section width
- 8.1 in (205 mm)
- Sidewall height
- 5.6 in (144 mm)
- Wheel (rim) diameter
- 15.0 in (381 mm)
- Overall diameter
- 26.3 in (668 mm)
- Circumference
- 82.6 in (2099 mm)
- Revolutions per mile
- 767
These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.
Which vehicles use 205/70R15?
These vehicles list 205/70R15 among their verified sizes, by trim. Open one to see all of its sizes.
Shop for 205/70R15 tires
Confirm the size on your tire sidewall or door placard first. These links open each store's own search for 205/70R15; prices and stock are on their sites.
- Search 205/70R15 at Tire Rack
- Search 205/70R15 at Discount Tire
- Search 205/70R15 at SimpleTire
- Search 205/70R15 at Amazon
- Search 205/70R15 at Priority Tire
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links. It doesn't change the price you pay. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Snow chains and tire socks for 205/70R15
Where winter roads call for extra traction, chains and tire socks are two options that fit over your tires. They are made for specific tire sizes, so these links open Amazon searches for 205/70R15. Whether they suit your vehicle depends on its clearance and the local rules.
Paid links to Amazon search results. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Before you buy
- Chains and socks are sold by tire size, so match the size on your sidewall exactly.
- Check your owner's manual first: many newer cars and SUVs limit or prohibit chains, or require low-profile (often called SAE Class S) chains because of tight wheel-well clearance.
- Tire socks are a lighter-duty option; check your state's rules, because some areas only accept chains when chain controls are in effect.
- Put them on the drive wheels (or as your manual says) and follow the maker's speed limit.
Similar sizes
These common sizes have an overall diameter within about 3% of 205/70R15. A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.
| Size | Wheel diameter | Diameter difference | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215/55R17 | 17 in (different) | +0.04% | Compare 205/70R15 with 215/55R17 |
| 235/45R18 | 18 in (different) | +0.10% | Compare 205/70R15 with 235/45R18 |
| 215/60R16 | 16 in (different) | -0.54% | Compare 205/70R15 with 215/60R16 |
| 225/60R16 | 16 in (different) | +1.26% | Compare 205/70R15 with 225/60R16 |
| 245/45R18 | 18 in (different) | +1.45% | Compare 205/70R15 with 245/45R18 |
| 245/40R19 | 19 in (different) | +1.59% | Compare 205/70R15 with 245/40R19 |
| 225/50R17 | 17 in (different) | -1.68% | Compare 205/70R15 with 225/50R17 |
| 225/55R17 | 17 in (different) | +1.69% | Compare 205/70R15 with 225/55R17 |
| 205/60R16 | 16 in (different) | -2.34% | Compare 205/70R15 with 205/60R16 |
| 215/65R16 | 16 in (different) | +2.68% | Compare 205/70R15 with 215/65R16 |
Same dimensions, different load standard
P205/70R15 (P-metric) has the same dimensions as 205/70R15, but it is built to a different load standard. Check the load index on the sidewall rather than assuming the two are interchangeable.
Compare 205/70R15 with similar sizes
Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 205/70R15 in overall diameter.
- 205/70R15 vs 215/55R17+0.04% taller than 205/70R15
- 205/70R15 vs 235/45R18+0.10% taller than 205/70R15
- 195/60R17 vs 205/70R15-0.33% shorter than 205/70R15
- 205/70R15 vs 305/30R19-0.36% shorter than 205/70R15
- 205/70R15 vs 235/40R19+0.39% taller than 205/70R15
- 205/70R15 vs 215/60R16-0.54% shorter than 205/70R15
- 205/65R16 vs 205/70R15+0.73% taller than 205/70R15
- 205/70R15 vs 225/60R16+1.26% taller than 205/70R15
- 205/60R16 vs 205/70R15-2.34% shorter than 205/70R15
- 205/70R15 vs 215/65R16+2.68% taller than 205/70R15
Compare 205/70R15 with another size
See how another size differs in height, width, sidewall and speedometer reading in the tire size calculator.
Compare 205/70R15 with another sizeQuestions about 205/70R15
What does 205/70R15 mean?
205/70R15 describes the shape and size of a tire, not how much it can carry or how fast it can go. 205 is the width in millimeters, 70 is the sidewall height as a percentage of that width (about 144 mm), R is the construction type and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches.
How tall is a 205/70R15 tire?
A 205/70R15 tire has a nominal overall diameter of about 26.3 in (668 mm), with a sidewall about 5.6 in (144 mm) tall. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.
How many revolutions per mile does a 205/70R15 tire make?
About 767 revolutions per mile, based on a circumference of 82.6 in (2099 mm). A vehicle's speedometer and odometer are calibrated to the tire size it was built with, so a size with a different overall diameter changes what they read. A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.
Is 205/70R15 the same as P205/70R15?
They have the same dimensions: both are about 26.3 in (668 mm) tall and 205 mm wide. They are built to different load standards, though (Euro-metric and P-metric), so the load a tire can carry can differ. Check the load index on the sidewall, and ask a tire professional or your owner's manual before treating them as interchangeable.
Which sizes have a similar diameter to 205/70R15?
Among the common sizes we list, these are within about 3% of the overall diameter of 205/70R15: 215/55R17 (+0.04%), 235/45R18 (+0.10%), 215/60R16 (-0.54%), and 7 more. Diameter is only one measure. Width, wheel diameter, load capacity and clearance matter too. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.
You might also need
- Digital tire pressure gauge (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)
Check your tire pressure against the number on your door placard.
- Portable tire inflator (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)
Top up a low tire at home without a trip to the gas station.
- Tire tread depth gauge (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)
Measure how much tread is left before you decide to replace.
- Lug wrench or torque wrench (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)
Useful for rotations and tire changes; follow the torque spec in your owner's manual.
Paid links to Amazon search results. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read our affiliate disclosure.