Tire Size Box

225/50R17 vs 215/55R17

215/55R17 compared with 225/50R17

+1.8% diameter, −0.4" width

215/55R17 is 26.31" tall vs 25.86". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

25.9"17" rim4.4"8.9" wide
225/50R17 (solid) compared with 215/55R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/55R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.1 mph

215/55R17 is +0.45 inches (+1.8%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

225/50R17215/55R17Difference%
Overall diameter25.86"26.31"+0.45"+1.8%
Section width8.86"8.46"−0.39"−4.4%
Sidewall height4.43"4.66"+0.23"+5.1%
Circumference81.24"82.66"+1.42"+1.8%
Revolutions per mile779.9766.5−13.4−1.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 225/50R17 and you fit 215/55R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.4 mph+0.4 mph
30 mph30.5 mph+0.5 mph
40 mph40.7 mph+0.7 mph
50 mph50.9 mph+0.9 mph
60 mph61.1 mph+1.1 mph
65 mph66.1 mph+1.1 mph
70 mph71.2 mph+1.2 mph
75 mph76.3 mph+1.3 mph
80 mph81.4 mph+1.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 225/50R17 or 215/55R17?
215/55R17 is taller by 0.45 inches (26.31" vs 25.86"). 225/50R17 is wider by 0.39 inches.
Can I replace 225/50R17 with 215/55R17?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +1.8%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 215/55R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/55R17 fitted (calibrated for 225/50R17), your real speed is 61.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 1.8%.
Will 215/55R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.23 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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