Tire Size Box

265/50R16 vs 265/60R16

265/60R16 compared with 265/50R16

+7.9% diameter, 0.0" width

265/60R16 is 28.52" tall vs 26.43". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.4"16" rim5.2"10.4" wide
265/50R16 (solid) compared with 265/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/60R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.7 mph

265/60R16 is +2.09 inches (+7.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/50R16265/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.43"28.52"+2.09"+7.9%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.22"6.26"+1.04"+20.0%
Circumference83.04"89.60"+6.56"+7.9%
Revolutions per mile763.0707.2−55.8−7.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/50R16 and you fit 265/60R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.6 mph+1.6 mph
30 mph32.4 mph+2.4 mph
40 mph43.2 mph+3.2 mph
50 mph53.9 mph+3.9 mph
60 mph64.7 mph+4.7 mph
65 mph70.1 mph+5.1 mph
70 mph75.5 mph+5.5 mph
75 mph80.9 mph+5.9 mph
80 mph86.3 mph+6.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/50R16 or 265/60R16?
265/60R16 is taller by 2.09 inches (28.52" vs 26.43"). 265/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/50R16 with 265/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.9%, 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 265/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 265/50R16), your real speed is 64.7 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.9%.
Will 265/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.04 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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