GarageCalc What 195/70R14 means
195 is the section width in millimeters (7.7 in). 70 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 70 percent of the width, so 195 × 0.70 = 137 mm (5.4 in). R is radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches (356 mm). Stack two sidewalls on the wheel and you get the overall diameter: 356 + 2 × 137 = 629 mm, or 24.7 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 195/70R14 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 195/70R14
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 205/60R15 at -0.3% diameter with a 123 mm sidewall instead of 137 mm. No common 13-inch size stays within 3 percent either. 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 195/70R14 tire?
24.7 inches (629 mm) in overall diameter: the 14-inch wheel (356 mm) plus two 137 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 195/70R14 in inches?
24.7 x 7.7 R14: 24.7 inches tall, 7.7 inches wide, on a 14-inch wheel. The sidewall is 5.4 inches and the circumference is 77.7 inches, so the tire turns 815 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 195/70R14?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 14-inch wheel: 185/70R14 (-2.2%), 205/70R14 (+2.2%); on a 15-inch wheel: 205/60R15 (-0.3%), 195/65R15 (+0.9%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 205/70R14 instead of 195/70R14?
Dimensionally yes: 205/70R14 is 2.2% taller (+14 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 58.7 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.