Tire Size Box

265/40R22 vs 265/50R22

265/50R22 compared with 265/40R22

+6.9% diameter, 0.0" width

265/50R22 is 32.43" tall vs 30.35". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

30.3"22" rim4.2"10.4" wide
265/40R22 (solid) compared with 265/50R22 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/50R22 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.1 mph

265/50R22 is +2.09 inches (+6.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/40R22265/50R22Difference%
Overall diameter30.35"32.43"+2.09"+6.9%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.17"5.22"+1.04"+25.0%
Circumference95.34"101.89"+6.56"+6.9%
Revolutions per mile664.6621.8−42.8−6.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/40R22 and you fit 265/50R22, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.4 mph+1.4 mph
30 mph32.1 mph+2.1 mph
40 mph42.8 mph+2.8 mph
50 mph53.4 mph+3.4 mph
60 mph64.1 mph+4.1 mph
65 mph69.5 mph+4.5 mph
70 mph74.8 mph+4.8 mph
75 mph80.2 mph+5.2 mph
80 mph85.5 mph+5.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/40R22 or 265/50R22?
265/50R22 is taller by 2.09 inches (32.43" vs 30.35"). 265/40R22 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/40R22 with 265/50R22?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.9%, 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 265/50R22 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/50R22 fitted (calibrated for 265/40R22), your real speed is 64.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.9%.
Will 265/50R22 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.04 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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