Tire Size Box

215/40R16 vs 215/50R16

215/50R16 compared with 215/40R16

+7.4% diameter, 0.0" width

215/50R16 is 24.46" tall vs 22.77". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.8"16" rim3.4"8.5" wide
215/40R16 (solid) compared with 215/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/50R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.5 mph

215/50R16 is +1.69 inches (+7.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/40R16215/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter22.77"24.46"+1.69"+7.4%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.39"4.23"+0.85"+25.0%
Circumference71.54"76.86"+5.32"+7.4%
Revolutions per mile885.7824.4−61.3−6.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/40R16 and you fit 215/50R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.5 mph+1.5 mph
30 mph32.2 mph+2.2 mph
40 mph43.0 mph+3.0 mph
50 mph53.7 mph+3.7 mph
60 mph64.5 mph+4.5 mph
65 mph69.8 mph+4.8 mph
70 mph75.2 mph+5.2 mph
75 mph80.6 mph+5.6 mph
80 mph85.9 mph+5.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/40R16 or 215/50R16?
215/50R16 is taller by 1.69 inches (24.46" vs 22.77"). 215/40R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/40R16 with 215/50R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.4%, 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 215/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/40R16), your real speed is 64.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.4%.
Will 215/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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