Tire Size Box

195/40R16 vs 195/50R16

195/50R16 compared with 195/40R16

+6.9% diameter, 0.0" width

195/50R16 is 23.68" tall vs 22.14". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.1"16" rim3.1"7.7" wide
195/40R16 (solid) compared with 195/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 195/50R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.2 mph

195/50R16 is +1.54 inches (+6.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/40R16195/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter22.14"23.68"+1.54"+6.9%
Section width7.68"7.68"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.07"3.84"+0.77"+25.0%
Circumference69.56"74.38"+4.82"+6.9%
Revolutions per mile910.9851.8−59.1−6.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/40R16 and you fit 195/50R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.4 mph+1.4 mph
30 mph32.1 mph+2.1 mph
40 mph42.8 mph+2.8 mph
50 mph53.5 mph+3.5 mph
60 mph64.2 mph+4.2 mph
65 mph69.5 mph+4.5 mph
70 mph74.9 mph+4.9 mph
75 mph80.2 mph+5.2 mph
80 mph85.5 mph+5.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/40R16 or 195/50R16?
195/50R16 is taller by 1.54 inches (23.68" vs 22.14"). 195/40R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 195/40R16 with 195/50R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.9%, 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 195/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 195/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 195/40R16), your real speed is 64.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.9%.
Will 195/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.77 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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