Tire Size Box

205/40R19 vs 205/50R19

205/50R19 compared with 205/40R19

+6.3% diameter, 0.0" width

205/50R19 is 27.07" tall vs 25.46". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.5"19" rim3.2"8.1" wide
205/40R19 (solid) compared with 205/50R19 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/50R19 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.8 mph

205/50R19 is +1.61 inches (+6.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/40R19205/50R19Difference%
Overall diameter25.46"27.07"+1.61"+6.3%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.23"4.04"+0.81"+25.0%
Circumference79.97"85.05"+5.07"+6.3%
Revolutions per mile792.3745.0−47.2−6.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/40R19 and you fit 205/50R19, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph31.9 mph+1.9 mph
40 mph42.5 mph+2.5 mph
50 mph53.2 mph+3.2 mph
60 mph63.8 mph+3.8 mph
65 mph69.1 mph+4.1 mph
70 mph74.4 mph+4.4 mph
75 mph79.8 mph+4.8 mph
80 mph85.1 mph+5.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/40R19 or 205/50R19?
205/50R19 is taller by 1.61 inches (27.07" vs 25.46"). 205/40R19 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/40R19 with 205/50R19?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.3%, 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 205/50R19 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/50R19 fitted (calibrated for 205/40R19), your real speed is 63.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.3%.
Will 205/50R19 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.81 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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