Tire Size Box

185/50R15 vs 185/60R15

185/60R15 compared with 185/50R15

+6.5% diameter, 0.0" width

185/60R15 is 23.74" tall vs 22.28". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.3"15" rim3.6"7.3" wide
185/50R15 (solid) compared with 185/60R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 185/60R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.9 mph

185/60R15 is +1.46 inches (+6.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/50R15185/60R15Difference%
Overall diameter22.28"23.74"+1.46"+6.5%
Section width7.28"7.28"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.64"4.37"+0.73"+20.0%
Circumference70.01"74.58"+4.58"+6.5%
Revolutions per mile905.1849.5−55.5−6.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/50R15 and you fit 185/60R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph32.0 mph+2.0 mph
40 mph42.6 mph+2.6 mph
50 mph53.3 mph+3.3 mph
60 mph63.9 mph+3.9 mph
65 mph69.2 mph+4.2 mph
70 mph74.6 mph+4.6 mph
75 mph79.9 mph+4.9 mph
80 mph85.2 mph+5.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/50R15 or 185/60R15?
185/60R15 is taller by 1.46 inches (23.74" vs 22.28"). 185/50R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 185/50R15 with 185/60R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.5%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 185/60R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 185/60R15 fitted (calibrated for 185/50R15), your real speed is 63.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.5%.
Will 185/60R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.73 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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