Tire Size Box

185/50R16 vs 205/50R16

205/50R16 compared with 185/50R16

+3.4% diameter, +0.8" width

205/50R16 is 24.07" 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 205/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/50R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

205/50R16 is +0.79 inches (+3.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/50R16205/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter23.28"24.07"+0.79"+3.4%
Section width7.28"8.07"+0.79"+10.8%
Sidewall height3.64"4.04"+0.39"+10.8%
Circumference73.15"75.62"+2.47"+3.4%
Revolutions per mile866.2837.9−28.3−3.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/50R16 and you fit 205/50R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.7 mph+2.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/50R16 or 205/50R16?
205/50R16 is taller by 0.79 inches (24.07" vs 23.28"). 205/50R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 185/50R16 with 205/50R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.4%, 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 205/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 185/50R16), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.4%.
Will 205/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.39 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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