Tire Size Box

225/50R15 vs 225/60R15

225/60R15 compared with 225/50R15

+7.4% diameter, 0.0" width

225/60R15 is 25.63" tall vs 23.86". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.9"15" rim4.4"8.9" wide
225/50R15 (solid) compared with 225/60R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/60R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.5 mph

225/60R15 is +1.77 inches (+7.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

225/50R15225/60R15Difference%
Overall diameter23.86"25.63"+1.77"+7.4%
Section width8.86"8.86"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.43"5.31"+0.89"+20.0%
Circumference74.95"80.52"+5.57"+7.4%
Revolutions per mile845.3786.9−58.4−6.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 225/50R15 and you fit 225/60R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.5 mph+1.5 mph
30 mph32.2 mph+2.2 mph
40 mph43.0 mph+3.0 mph
50 mph53.7 mph+3.7 mph
60 mph64.5 mph+4.5 mph
65 mph69.8 mph+4.8 mph
70 mph75.2 mph+5.2 mph
75 mph80.6 mph+5.6 mph
80 mph85.9 mph+5.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 225/50R15 or 225/60R15?
225/60R15 is taller by 1.77 inches (25.63" vs 23.86"). 225/50R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 225/50R15 with 225/60R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.4%, 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 225/60R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/60R15 fitted (calibrated for 225/50R15), your real speed is 64.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.4%.
Will 225/60R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.89 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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