Tire Size Box

215/50R20 vs 215/60R20

215/60R20 compared with 215/50R20

+5.9% diameter, 0.0" width

215/60R20 is 30.16" tall vs 28.46". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.5"20" rim4.2"8.5" wide
215/50R20 (solid) compared with 215/60R20 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/60R20 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

63.6 mph

215/60R20 is +1.69 inches (+5.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/50R20215/60R20Difference%
Overall diameter28.46"30.16"+1.69"+5.9%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.23"5.08"+0.85"+20.0%
Circumference89.42"94.74"+5.32"+5.9%
Revolutions per mile708.5668.8−39.8−5.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/50R20 and you fit 215/60R20, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.2 mph+1.2 mph
30 mph31.8 mph+1.8 mph
40 mph42.4 mph+2.4 mph
50 mph53.0 mph+3.0 mph
60 mph63.6 mph+3.6 mph
65 mph68.9 mph+3.9 mph
70 mph74.2 mph+4.2 mph
75 mph79.5 mph+4.5 mph
80 mph84.8 mph+4.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/50R20 or 215/60R20?
215/60R20 is taller by 1.69 inches (30.16" vs 28.46"). 215/50R20 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/50R20 with 215/60R20?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +5.9%, 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 215/60R20 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/60R20 fitted (calibrated for 215/50R20), your real speed is 63.6 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 5.9%.
Will 215/60R20 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.85 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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