Tire Size Box

215/50R16 vs 215/60R16

215/60R16 compared with 215/50R16

+6.9% diameter, 0.0" width

215/60R16 is 26.16" 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 215/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

64.2 mph

215/60R16 is +1.69 inches (+6.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/50R16215/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.46"26.16"+1.69"+6.9%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.23"5.08"+0.85"+20.0%
Circumference76.86"82.18"+5.32"+6.9%
Revolutions per mile824.4771.0−53.4−6.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/50R16 and you fit 215/60R16, 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 mph74.8 mph+4.8 mph
75 mph80.2 mph+5.2 mph
80 mph85.5 mph+5.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/50R16 or 215/60R16?
215/60R16 is taller by 1.69 inches (26.16" vs 24.46"). 215/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/50R16 with 215/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.9%, 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 215/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/50R16), your real speed is 64.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.9%.
Will 215/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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