Tire Size Box

195/45R16 vs 195/50R16

195/50R16 compared with 195/45R16

+3.4% diameter, 0.0" width

195/50R16 is 23.68" tall vs 22.91". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.9"16" rim3.5"7.7" wide
195/45R16 (solid) compared with 195/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

62.0 mph

195/50R16 is +0.77 inches (+3.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/45R16195/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter22.91"23.68"+0.77"+3.4%
Section width7.68"7.68"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.45"3.84"+0.38"+11.1%
Circumference71.97"74.38"+2.41"+3.4%
Revolutions per mile880.3851.8−28.5−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/45R16 and you fit 195/50R16, 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 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.7 mph+2.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/45R16 or 195/50R16?
195/50R16 is taller by 0.77 inches (23.68" vs 22.91"). 195/45R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 195/45R16 with 195/50R16?
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 195/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 195/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 195/45R16), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.4%.
Will 195/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.38 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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