GarageCalc What 195/60R15 means
195 is the section width in millimeters (7.7 in). 60 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 60 percent of the width, so 195 × 0.60 = 117 mm (4.6 in). R is radial construction, and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches (381 mm). Stack two sidewalls on the wheel and you get the overall diameter: 381 + 2 × 117 = 615 mm, or 24.2 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 195/60R15 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 195/60R15
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 205/50R16 at -0.6% diameter with a 103 mm sidewall instead of 117 mm. Going down one size, 185/70R14 is -0.1% with a taller 130 mm sidewall for more comfort and pothole margin. Anything inside 3 percent keeps the speedometer, ABS and gearing effectively stock; the comparison calculator shows the full speedometer table for any pair.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a 195/60R15 tire?
24.2 inches (615 mm) in overall diameter: the 15-inch wheel (381 mm) plus two 117 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 195/60R15 in inches?
24.2 x 7.7 R15: 24.2 inches tall, 7.7 inches wide, on a 15-inch wheel. The sidewall is 4.6 inches and the circumference is 76.1 inches, so the tire turns 833 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 195/60R15?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 15-inch wheel: 175/65R15 (-1.1%), 185/65R15 (+1.1%), 205/55R15 (-1.4%); on a 16-inch wheel: 205/50R16 (-0.6%), 185/55R16 (-0.8%); on a 14-inch wheel: 185/70R14 (-0.1%), 195/65R14 (-1.0%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 205/55R15 instead of 195/60R15?
Dimensionally yes: 205/55R15 is 1.4% shorter (-9 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 60.8 mph. The extra width needs about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 205 mm.