Tire Size Box

225/50R16 vs 225/60R16

225/60R16 compared with 225/50R16

+7.1% diameter, 0.0" width

225/60R16 is 26.63" tall vs 24.86". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.9"16" rim4.4"8.9" wide
225/50R16 (solid) compared with 225/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/60R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.3 mph

225/60R16 is +1.77 inches (+7.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

225/50R16225/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.86"26.63"+1.77"+7.1%
Section width8.86"8.86"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.43"5.31"+0.89"+20.0%
Circumference78.09"83.66"+5.57"+7.1%
Revolutions per mile811.3757.3−54.0−6.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 225/50R16 and you fit 225/60R16, 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 mph42.9 mph+2.9 mph
50 mph53.6 mph+3.6 mph
60 mph64.3 mph+4.3 mph
65 mph69.6 mph+4.6 mph
70 mph75.0 mph+5.0 mph
75 mph80.3 mph+5.3 mph
80 mph85.7 mph+5.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 225/50R16 or 225/60R16?
225/60R16 is taller by 1.77 inches (26.63" vs 24.86"). 225/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 225/50R16 with 225/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.1%, 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 225/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 225/50R16), your real speed is 64.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.1%.
Will 225/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.89 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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