Tire Size Box

235/50R16 vs 235/60R16

235/60R16 compared with 235/50R16

+7.3% diameter, 0.0" width

235/60R16 is 27.10" tall vs 25.25". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.3"16" rim4.6"9.3" wide
235/50R16 (solid) compared with 235/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/60R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.4 mph

235/60R16 is +1.85 inches (+7.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

235/50R16235/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter25.25"27.10"+1.85"+7.3%
Section width9.25"9.25"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.63"5.55"+0.93"+20.0%
Circumference79.33"85.14"+5.81"+7.3%
Revolutions per mile798.7744.1−54.5−6.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 235/50R16 and you fit 235/60R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.5 mph+1.5 mph
30 mph32.2 mph+2.2 mph
40 mph42.9 mph+2.9 mph
50 mph53.7 mph+3.7 mph
60 mph64.4 mph+4.4 mph
65 mph69.8 mph+4.8 mph
70 mph75.1 mph+5.1 mph
75 mph80.5 mph+5.5 mph
80 mph85.9 mph+5.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 235/50R16 or 235/60R16?
235/60R16 is taller by 1.85 inches (27.10" vs 25.25"). 235/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 235/50R16 with 235/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.3%, 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 235/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 235/50R16), your real speed is 64.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.3%.
Will 235/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.93 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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