Tire Size Box

215/50R17 vs 215/60R17

215/60R17 compared with 215/50R17

+6.6% diameter, 0.0" width

215/60R17 is 27.16" tall vs 25.46". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.5"17" rim4.2"8.5" wide
215/50R17 (solid) compared with 215/60R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/60R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.0 mph

215/60R17 is +1.69 inches (+6.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/50R17215/60R17Difference%
Overall diameter25.46"27.16"+1.69"+6.6%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.23"5.08"+0.85"+20.0%
Circumference80.00"85.32"+5.32"+6.6%
Revolutions per mile792.0742.6−49.4−6.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/50R17 and you fit 215/60R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.3 mph+1.3 mph
30 mph32.0 mph+2.0 mph
40 mph42.7 mph+2.7 mph
50 mph53.3 mph+3.3 mph
60 mph64.0 mph+4.0 mph
65 mph69.3 mph+4.3 mph
70 mph74.7 mph+4.7 mph
75 mph80.0 mph+5.0 mph
80 mph85.3 mph+5.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/50R17 or 215/60R17?
215/60R17 is taller by 1.69 inches (27.16" vs 25.46"). 215/50R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/50R17 with 215/60R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.6%, 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 215/60R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/60R17 fitted (calibrated for 215/50R17), your real speed is 64.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.6%.
Will 215/60R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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