Tire Size Box

235/40R17 vs 235/50R17

235/50R17 compared with 235/40R17

+7.6% diameter, 0.0" width

235/50R17 is 26.25" tall vs 24.40". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.4"17" rim3.7"9.3" wide
235/40R17 (solid) compared with 235/50R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/50R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.5 mph

235/50R17 is +1.85 inches (+7.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

235/40R17235/50R17Difference%
Overall diameter24.40"26.25"+1.85"+7.6%
Section width9.25"9.25"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.70"4.63"+0.93"+25.0%
Circumference76.66"82.47"+5.81"+7.6%
Revolutions per mile826.5768.3−58.3−7.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 235/40R17 and you fit 235/50R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.5 mph+1.5 mph
30 mph32.3 mph+2.3 mph
40 mph43.0 mph+3.0 mph
50 mph53.8 mph+3.8 mph
60 mph64.5 mph+4.5 mph
65 mph69.9 mph+4.9 mph
70 mph75.3 mph+5.3 mph
75 mph80.7 mph+5.7 mph
80 mph86.1 mph+6.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 235/40R17 or 235/50R17?
235/50R17 is taller by 1.85 inches (26.25" vs 24.40"). 235/40R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 235/40R17 with 235/50R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.6%, 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 235/50R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/50R17 fitted (calibrated for 235/40R17), your real speed is 64.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.6%.
Will 235/50R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.93 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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