Tire Size Box

265/50R15 vs 265/60R15

265/60R15 compared with 265/50R15

+8.2% diameter, 0.0" width

265/60R15 is 27.52" tall vs 25.43". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.4"15" rim5.2"10.4" wide
265/50R15 (solid) compared with 265/60R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/60R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.9 mph

265/60R15 is +2.09 inches (+8.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/50R15265/60R15Difference%
Overall diameter25.43"27.52"+2.09"+8.2%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.22"6.26"+1.04"+20.0%
Circumference79.90"86.46"+6.56"+8.2%
Revolutions per mile793.0732.9−60.1−7.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/50R15 and you fit 265/60R15, 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 mph70.3 mph+5.3 mph
70 mph75.7 mph+5.7 mph
75 mph81.2 mph+6.2 mph
80 mph86.6 mph+6.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/50R15 or 265/60R15?
265/60R15 is taller by 2.09 inches (27.52" vs 25.43"). 265/50R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/50R15 with 265/60R15?
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 265/60R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/60R15 fitted (calibrated for 265/50R15), your real speed is 64.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 8.2%.
Will 265/60R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.04 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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