Tire Size Box

215/50R16 vs 215/55R16

215/55R16 compared with 215/50R16

+3.5% diameter, 0.0" width

215/55R16 is 25.31" tall vs 24.46". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.5"16" rim4.2"8.5" wide
215/50R16 (solid) compared with 215/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.1 mph

215/55R16 is +0.85 inches (+3.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/50R16215/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.46"25.31"+0.85"+3.5%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.23"4.66"+0.42"+10.0%
Circumference76.86"79.52"+2.66"+3.5%
Revolutions per mile824.4796.8−27.6−3.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/50R16 and you fit 215/55R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.1 mph+2.1 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.6 mph+2.6 mph
80 mph82.8 mph+2.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/50R16 or 215/55R16?
215/55R16 is taller by 0.85 inches (25.31" vs 24.46"). 215/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/50R16 with 215/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.5%, 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 215/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/50R16), your real speed is 62.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.5%.
Will 215/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.42 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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