Tire Size Box

205/50R16 vs 205/60R16

205/60R16 compared with 205/50R16

+6.7% diameter, 0.0" width

205/60R16 is 25.69" tall vs 24.07". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.1"16" rim4.0"8.1" wide
205/50R16 (solid) compared with 205/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/60R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.0 mph

205/60R16 is +1.61 inches (+6.7%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/50R16205/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.07"25.69"+1.61"+6.7%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.04"4.84"+0.81"+20.0%
Circumference75.62"80.69"+5.07"+6.7%
Revolutions per mile837.9785.2−52.7−6.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/50R16 and you fit 205/60R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph32.0 mph+2.0 mph
40 mph42.7 mph+2.7 mph
50 mph53.4 mph+3.4 mph
60 mph64.0 mph+4.0 mph
65 mph69.4 mph+4.4 mph
70 mph74.7 mph+4.7 mph
75 mph80.0 mph+5.0 mph
80 mph85.4 mph+5.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/50R16 or 205/60R16?
205/60R16 is taller by 1.61 inches (25.69" vs 24.07"). 205/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/50R16 with 205/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.7%, 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 205/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 205/50R16), your real speed is 64.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.7%.
Will 205/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.81 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons