Tire Size Box

235/50R17 vs 235/60R17

235/60R17 compared with 235/50R17

+7.0% diameter, 0.0" width

235/60R17 is 28.10" tall vs 26.25". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.3"17" rim4.6"9.3" wide
235/50R17 (solid) compared with 235/60R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

64.2 mph

235/60R17 is +1.85 inches (+7.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

235/50R17235/60R17Difference%
Overall diameter26.25"28.10"+1.85"+7.0%
Section width9.25"9.25"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.63"5.55"+0.93"+20.0%
Circumference82.47"88.29"+5.81"+7.0%
Revolutions per mile768.3717.7−50.6−6.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 235/50R17 and you fit 235/60R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.4 mph+1.4 mph
30 mph32.1 mph+2.1 mph
40 mph42.8 mph+2.8 mph
50 mph53.5 mph+3.5 mph
60 mph64.2 mph+4.2 mph
65 mph69.6 mph+4.6 mph
70 mph74.9 mph+4.9 mph
75 mph80.3 mph+5.3 mph
80 mph85.6 mph+5.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 235/50R17 or 235/60R17?
235/60R17 is taller by 1.85 inches (28.10" vs 26.25"). 235/50R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 235/50R17 with 235/60R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.0%, 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 235/60R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/60R17 fitted (calibrated for 235/50R17), your real speed is 64.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.0%.
Will 235/60R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.93 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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