Tire Size Box

195/50R16 vs 195/55R16

195/55R16 compared with 195/50R16

+3.2% diameter, 0.0" width

195/55R16 is 24.44" tall vs 23.68". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.7"16" rim3.8"7.7" wide
195/50R16 (solid) compared with 195/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 195/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

195/55R16 is +0.77 inches (+3.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/50R16195/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter23.68"24.44"+0.77"+3.2%
Section width7.68"7.68"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.84"4.22"+0.38"+10.0%
Circumference74.38"76.80"+2.41"+3.2%
Revolutions per mile851.8825.0−26.8−3.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/50R16 and you fit 195/55R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/50R16 or 195/55R16?
195/55R16 is taller by 0.77 inches (24.44" vs 23.68"). 195/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 195/50R16 with 195/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.2%, 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 195/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 195/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 195/50R16), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.2%.
Will 195/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.38 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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