Tire Size Box

245/45R22 vs 245/50R22

245/50R22 compared with 245/45R22

+3.1% diameter, 0.0" width

245/50R22 is 31.65" tall vs 30.68". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

30.7"22" rim4.3"9.6" wide
245/45R22 (solid) compared with 245/50R22 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 245/50R22 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

245/50R22 is +0.96 inches (+3.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/45R22245/50R22Difference%
Overall diameter30.68"31.65"+0.96"+3.1%
Section width9.65"9.65"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.34"4.82"+0.48"+11.1%
Circumference96.39"99.42"+3.03"+3.1%
Revolutions per mile657.3637.3−20.0−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/45R22 and you fit 245/50R22, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph30.9 mph+0.9 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.2 mph+2.2 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/45R22 or 245/50R22?
245/50R22 is taller by 0.96 inches (31.65" vs 30.68"). 245/45R22 is the same width.
Can I replace 245/45R22 with 245/50R22?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.1%, 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 245/50R22 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 245/50R22 fitted (calibrated for 245/45R22), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.1%.
Will 245/50R22 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.48 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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