Tire Size Box

255/50R16 vs 235/55R16

235/55R16 compared with 255/50R16

+0.5% diameter, −0.8" width

235/55R16 is 26.18" tall vs 26.04". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

26.0"16" rim5.0"10.0" wide
255/50R16 (solid) compared with 235/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

60.3 mph

235/55R16 is +0.14 inches (+0.5%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

255/50R16235/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.04"26.18"+0.14"+0.5%
Section width10.04"9.25"−0.79"−7.8%
Sidewall height5.02"5.09"+0.07"+1.4%
Circumference81.81"82.24"+0.43"+0.5%
Revolutions per mile774.5770.4−4.1−0.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 255/50R16 and you fit 235/55R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.1 mph+0.1 mph
30 mph30.2 mph+0.2 mph
40 mph40.2 mph+0.2 mph
50 mph50.3 mph+0.3 mph
60 mph60.3 mph+0.3 mph
65 mph65.3 mph+0.3 mph
70 mph70.4 mph+0.4 mph
75 mph75.4 mph+0.4 mph
80 mph80.4 mph+0.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 255/50R16 or 235/55R16?
235/55R16 is taller by 0.14 inches (26.18" vs 26.04"). 255/50R16 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 255/50R16 with 235/55R16?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +0.5%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 235/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 255/50R16), your real speed is 60.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 0.5%.
Will 235/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.07 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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