Tire Size Box

205/45R15 vs 185/50R15

185/50R15 compared with 205/45R15

+0.1% diameter, −0.8" width

185/50R15 is 22.28" tall vs 22.26". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

22.3"15" rim3.6"8.1" wide
205/45R15 (solid) compared with 185/50R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 185/50R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

60.1 mph

185/50R15 is +0.02 inches (+0.1%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

205/45R15185/50R15Difference%
Overall diameter22.26"22.28"+0.02"+0.1%
Section width8.07"7.28"−0.79"−9.8%
Sidewall height3.63"3.64"+0.01"+0.3%
Circumference69.94"70.01"+0.06"+0.1%
Revolutions per mile905.9905.1−0.8−0.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/45R15 and you fit 185/50R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.0 mph0.0 mph
30 mph30.0 mph0.0 mph
40 mph40.0 mph0.0 mph
50 mph50.0 mph0.0 mph
60 mph60.1 mph+0.1 mph
65 mph65.1 mph+0.1 mph
70 mph70.1 mph+0.1 mph
75 mph75.1 mph+0.1 mph
80 mph80.1 mph+0.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/45R15 or 185/50R15?
185/50R15 is taller by 0.02 inches (22.28" vs 22.26"). 205/45R15 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 205/45R15 with 185/50R15?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +0.1%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 185/50R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 185/50R15 fitted (calibrated for 205/45R15), your real speed is 60.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 0.1%.
Will 185/50R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.01 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons