Tire Size Box

235/50R16 vs 225/55R16

225/55R16 compared with 235/50R16

+1.9% diameter, −0.4" width

225/55R16 is 25.74" tall vs 25.25". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

25.3"16" rim4.6"9.3" wide
235/50R16 (solid) compared with 225/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.2 mph

225/55R16 is +0.49 inches (+1.9%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

235/50R16225/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter25.25"25.74"+0.49"+1.9%
Section width9.25"8.86"−0.39"−4.3%
Sidewall height4.63"4.87"+0.25"+5.3%
Circumference79.33"80.88"+1.55"+1.9%
Revolutions per mile798.7783.4−15.3−1.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 235/50R16 and you fit 225/55R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.4 mph+0.4 mph
30 mph30.6 mph+0.6 mph
40 mph40.8 mph+0.8 mph
50 mph51.0 mph+1.0 mph
60 mph61.2 mph+1.2 mph
65 mph66.3 mph+1.3 mph
70 mph71.4 mph+1.4 mph
75 mph76.5 mph+1.5 mph
80 mph81.6 mph+1.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 235/50R16 or 225/55R16?
225/55R16 is taller by 0.49 inches (25.74" vs 25.25"). 235/50R16 is wider by 0.39 inches.
Can I replace 235/50R16 with 225/55R16?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +1.9%, 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 225/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 235/50R16), your real speed is 61.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 1.9%.
Will 225/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.25 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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