Tire Size Box

195/50R17 vs 215/50R17

215/50R17 compared with 195/50R17

+3.2% diameter, +0.8" width

215/50R17 is 25.46" tall vs 24.68". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.7"17" rim3.8"7.7" wide
195/50R17 (solid) compared with 215/50R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/50R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

215/50R17 is +0.79 inches (+3.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/50R17215/50R17Difference%
Overall diameter24.68"25.46"+0.79"+3.2%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height3.84"4.23"+0.39"+10.3%
Circumference77.53"80.00"+2.47"+3.2%
Revolutions per mile817.3792.0−25.3−3.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/50R17 and you fit 215/50R17, 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 mph72.2 mph+2.2 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/50R17 or 215/50R17?
215/50R17 is taller by 0.79 inches (25.46" vs 24.68"). 215/50R17 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/50R17 with 215/50R17?
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 215/50R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/50R17 fitted (calibrated for 195/50R17), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.2%.
Will 215/50R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.39 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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