Tire Size Box

225/50R16 vs 245/50R16

245/50R16 compared with 225/50R16

+3.2% diameter, +0.8" width

245/50R16 is 25.65" 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 245/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 245/50R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

245/50R16 is +0.79 inches (+3.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

225/50R16245/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.86"25.65"+0.79"+3.2%
Section width8.86"9.65"+0.79"+8.9%
Sidewall height4.43"4.82"+0.39"+8.9%
Circumference78.09"80.57"+2.47"+3.2%
Revolutions per mile811.3786.4−24.9−3.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 225/50R16 and you fit 245/50R16, 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 mph72.2 mph+2.2 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 225/50R16 or 245/50R16?
245/50R16 is taller by 0.79 inches (25.65" vs 24.86"). 245/50R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 225/50R16 with 245/50R16?
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 245/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 245/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 225/50R16), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.2%.
Will 245/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.39 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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