Tire Size Box

205/50R17 vs 205/60R17

205/60R17 compared with 205/50R17

+6.4% diameter, 0.0" width

205/60R17 is 26.69" tall vs 25.07". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.1"17" rim4.0"8.1" wide
205/50R17 (solid) compared with 205/60R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/60R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.9 mph

205/60R17 is +1.61 inches (+6.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/50R17205/60R17Difference%
Overall diameter25.07"26.69"+1.61"+6.4%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.04"4.84"+0.81"+20.0%
Circumference78.76"83.83"+5.07"+6.4%
Revolutions per mile804.4755.8−48.7−6.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/50R17 and you fit 205/60R17, 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 mph42.6 mph+2.6 mph
50 mph53.2 mph+3.2 mph
60 mph63.9 mph+3.9 mph
65 mph69.2 mph+4.2 mph
70 mph74.5 mph+4.5 mph
75 mph79.8 mph+4.8 mph
80 mph85.2 mph+5.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/50R17 or 205/60R17?
205/60R17 is taller by 1.61 inches (26.69" vs 25.07"). 205/50R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/50R17 with 205/60R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.4%, 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 205/60R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/60R17 fitted (calibrated for 205/50R17), your real speed is 63.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.4%.
Will 205/60R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.81 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons