Tire Size Box

195/50R16 vs 215/50R16

215/50R16 compared with 195/50R16

+3.3% diameter, +0.8" width

215/50R16 is 24.46" 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 215/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/50R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

215/50R16 is +0.79 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/50R16215/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter23.68"24.46"+0.79"+3.3%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height3.84"4.23"+0.39"+10.3%
Circumference74.38"76.86"+2.47"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile851.8824.4−27.4−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/50R16 and you fit 215/50R16, 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, 195/50R16 or 215/50R16?
215/50R16 is taller by 0.79 inches (24.46" vs 23.68"). 215/50R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/50R16 with 215/50R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.3%, 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 215/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 195/50R16), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 215/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.39 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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