Tire Size Box

245/50R22 vs 245/55R22

245/55R22 compared with 245/50R22

+3.0% diameter, 0.0" width

245/55R22 is 32.61" tall vs 31.65". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

31.6"22" rim4.8"9.6" wide
245/50R22 (solid) compared with 245/55R22 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 245/55R22 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

245/55R22 is +0.96 inches (+3.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/50R22245/55R22Difference%
Overall diameter31.65"32.61"+0.96"+3.0%
Section width9.65"9.65"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.82"5.31"+0.48"+10.0%
Circumference99.42"102.45"+3.03"+3.0%
Revolutions per mile637.3618.5−18.9−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/50R22 and you fit 245/55R22, 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 mph41.2 mph+1.2 mph
50 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.8 mph+1.8 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.4 mph+2.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/50R22 or 245/55R22?
245/55R22 is taller by 0.96 inches (32.61" vs 31.65"). 245/50R22 is the same width.
Can I replace 245/50R22 with 245/55R22?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.0%, 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 245/55R22 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 245/55R22 fitted (calibrated for 245/50R22), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.0%.
Will 245/55R22 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.48 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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