GarageCalc What 215/70R14 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 14 is the wheel diameter in inches (356 mm). Stack two sidewalls on the wheel and you get the overall diameter: 356 + 2 × 151 = 657 mm, or 25.9 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 215/70R14 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 215/70R14
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 195/70R15 at -0.4% diameter with a 137 mm sidewall instead of 151 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 215/70R14 tire?
25.9 inches (657 mm) in overall diameter: the 14-inch wheel (356 mm) plus two 151 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 215/70R14 in inches?
25.9 x 8.5 R14: 25.9 inches tall, 8.5 inches wide, on a 14-inch wheel. The sidewall is 5.9 inches and the circumference is 81.2 inches, so the tire turns 780 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 215/70R14?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 14-inch wheel: 205/70R14 (-2.1%); on a 15-inch wheel: 195/70R15 (-0.4%), 215/65R15 (+0.6%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.