Tire Size Box

185/50R16 vs 185/60R16

185/60R16 compared with 185/50R16

+6.3% diameter, 0.0" width

185/60R16 is 24.74" tall vs 23.28". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.3"16" rim3.6"7.3" wide
185/50R16 (solid) compared with 185/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 185/60R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.8 mph

185/60R16 is +1.46 inches (+6.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/50R16185/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter23.28"24.74"+1.46"+6.3%
Section width7.28"7.28"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.64"4.37"+0.73"+20.0%
Circumference73.15"77.72"+4.58"+6.3%
Revolutions per mile866.2815.2−51.0−5.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/50R16 and you fit 185/60R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph31.9 mph+1.9 mph
40 mph42.5 mph+2.5 mph
50 mph53.1 mph+3.1 mph
60 mph63.8 mph+3.8 mph
65 mph69.1 mph+4.1 mph
70 mph74.4 mph+4.4 mph
75 mph79.7 mph+4.7 mph
80 mph85.0 mph+5.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/50R16 or 185/60R16?
185/60R16 is taller by 1.46 inches (24.74" vs 23.28"). 185/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 185/50R16 with 185/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.3%, 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 185/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 185/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 185/50R16), your real speed is 63.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.3%.
Will 185/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.73 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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