Tire Size Box

245/50R17 vs 245/55R17

245/55R17 compared with 245/50R17

+3.6% diameter, 0.0" width

245/55R17 is 27.61" tall vs 26.65". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.6"17" rim4.8"9.6" wide
245/50R17 (solid) compared with 245/55R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 245/55R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.2 mph

245/55R17 is +0.96 inches (+3.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/50R17245/55R17Difference%
Overall diameter26.65"27.61"+0.96"+3.6%
Section width9.65"9.65"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.82"5.31"+0.48"+10.0%
Circumference83.71"86.74"+3.03"+3.6%
Revolutions per mile756.9730.5−26.4−3.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/50R17 and you fit 245/55R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.8 mph+1.8 mph
60 mph62.2 mph+2.2 mph
65 mph67.4 mph+2.4 mph
70 mph72.5 mph+2.5 mph
75 mph77.7 mph+2.7 mph
80 mph82.9 mph+2.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/50R17 or 245/55R17?
245/55R17 is taller by 0.96 inches (27.61" vs 26.65"). 245/50R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 245/50R17 with 245/55R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.6%, 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 245/55R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 245/55R17 fitted (calibrated for 245/50R17), your real speed is 62.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.6%.
Will 245/55R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.48 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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