Tire Size Box

185/50R17 vs 185/60R17

185/60R17 compared with 185/50R17

+6.0% diameter, 0.0" width

185/60R17 is 25.74" tall vs 24.28". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.3"17" rim3.6"7.3" wide
185/50R17 (solid) compared with 185/60R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 185/60R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.6 mph

185/60R17 is +1.46 inches (+6.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

185/50R17185/60R17Difference%
Overall diameter24.28"25.74"+1.46"+6.0%
Section width7.28"7.28"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.64"4.37"+0.73"+20.0%
Circumference76.29"80.87"+4.58"+6.0%
Revolutions per mile830.5783.5−47.0−5.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 185/50R17 and you fit 185/60R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.2 mph+1.2 mph
30 mph31.8 mph+1.8 mph
40 mph42.4 mph+2.4 mph
50 mph53.0 mph+3.0 mph
60 mph63.6 mph+3.6 mph
65 mph68.9 mph+3.9 mph
70 mph74.2 mph+4.2 mph
75 mph79.5 mph+4.5 mph
80 mph84.8 mph+4.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 185/50R17 or 185/60R17?
185/60R17 is taller by 1.46 inches (25.74" vs 24.28"). 185/50R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 185/50R17 with 185/60R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.0%, 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 185/60R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 185/60R17 fitted (calibrated for 185/50R17), your real speed is 63.6 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.0%.
Will 185/60R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.73 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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