Tire Size Box

215/50R16 vs 235/50R16

235/50R16 compared with 215/50R16

+3.2% diameter, +0.8" width

235/50R16 is 25.25" 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 235/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/50R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

235/50R16 is +0.79 inches (+3.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/50R16235/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.46"25.25"+0.79"+3.2%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height4.23"4.63"+0.39"+9.3%
Circumference76.86"79.33"+2.47"+3.2%
Revolutions per mile824.4798.7−25.7−3.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/50R16 and you fit 235/50R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/50R16 or 235/50R16?
235/50R16 is taller by 0.79 inches (25.25" vs 24.46"). 235/50R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/50R16 with 235/50R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.2%, 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 235/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/50R16), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.2%.
Will 235/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.39 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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