Tire Size Box

205/50R15 vs 205/60R15

205/60R15 compared with 205/50R15

+7.0% diameter, 0.0" width

205/60R15 is 24.69" tall vs 23.07". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.1"15" rim4.0"8.1" wide
205/50R15 (solid) compared with 205/60R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/60R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.2 mph

205/60R15 is +1.61 inches (+7.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/50R15205/60R15Difference%
Overall diameter23.07"24.69"+1.61"+7.0%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.04"4.84"+0.81"+20.0%
Circumference72.48"77.55"+5.07"+7.0%
Revolutions per mile874.2817.0−57.2−6.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/50R15 and you fit 205/60R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.4 mph+1.4 mph
30 mph32.1 mph+2.1 mph
40 mph42.8 mph+2.8 mph
50 mph53.5 mph+3.5 mph
60 mph64.2 mph+4.2 mph
65 mph69.5 mph+4.5 mph
70 mph74.9 mph+4.9 mph
75 mph80.2 mph+5.2 mph
80 mph85.6 mph+5.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/50R15 or 205/60R15?
205/60R15 is taller by 1.61 inches (24.69" vs 23.07"). 205/50R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/50R15 with 205/60R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.0%, 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 205/60R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/60R15 fitted (calibrated for 205/50R15), your real speed is 64.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.0%.
Will 205/60R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.81 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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