Tire Size Box

235/45R15 vs 225/50R15

225/50R15 compared with 235/45R15

+2.3% diameter, −0.4" width

225/50R15 is 23.86" tall vs 23.33". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

23.3"15" rim4.2"9.3" wide
235/45R15 (solid) compared with 225/50R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/50R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.4 mph

225/50R15 is +0.53 inches (+2.3%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

235/45R15225/50R15Difference%
Overall diameter23.33"23.86"+0.53"+2.3%
Section width9.25"8.86"−0.39"−4.3%
Sidewall height4.16"4.43"+0.27"+6.4%
Circumference73.28"74.95"+1.67"+2.3%
Revolutions per mile864.6845.3−19.3−2.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 235/45R15 and you fit 225/50R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.5 mph+0.5 mph
30 mph30.7 mph+0.7 mph
40 mph40.9 mph+0.9 mph
50 mph51.1 mph+1.1 mph
60 mph61.4 mph+1.4 mph
65 mph66.5 mph+1.5 mph
70 mph71.6 mph+1.6 mph
75 mph76.7 mph+1.7 mph
80 mph81.8 mph+1.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 235/45R15 or 225/50R15?
225/50R15 is taller by 0.53 inches (23.86" vs 23.33"). 235/45R15 is wider by 0.39 inches.
Can I replace 235/45R15 with 225/50R15?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +2.3%, 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 225/50R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/50R15 fitted (calibrated for 235/45R15), your real speed is 61.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 2.3%.
Will 225/50R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.27 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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