Tire Size Box

265/40R17 vs 265/50R17

265/50R17 compared with 265/40R17

+8.2% diameter, 0.0" width

265/50R17 is 27.43" tall vs 25.35". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.3"17" rim4.2"10.4" wide
265/40R17 (solid) compared with 265/50R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/50R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.9 mph

265/50R17 is +2.09 inches (+8.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/40R17265/50R17Difference%
Overall diameter25.35"27.43"+2.09"+8.2%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.17"5.22"+1.04"+25.0%
Circumference79.63"86.18"+6.56"+8.2%
Revolutions per mile795.7735.2−60.5−7.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/40R17 and you fit 265/50R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.6 mph+1.6 mph
30 mph32.5 mph+2.5 mph
40 mph43.3 mph+3.3 mph
50 mph54.1 mph+4.1 mph
60 mph64.9 mph+4.9 mph
65 mph70.4 mph+5.4 mph
70 mph75.8 mph+5.8 mph
75 mph81.2 mph+6.2 mph
80 mph86.6 mph+6.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/40R17 or 265/50R17?
265/50R17 is taller by 2.09 inches (27.43" vs 25.35"). 265/40R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/40R17 with 265/50R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +8.2%, 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 265/50R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/50R17 fitted (calibrated for 265/40R17), your real speed is 64.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 8.2%.
Will 265/50R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.04 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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