265/50R19 vs 265/55R19

265/55R19 compared with 265/50R19

+3.5% diameter, 0.0" width

265/55R19 is 30.48" tall vs 29.43". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

29.4"19" rim5.2"10.4" wide
265/50R19 (solid) compared with 265/55R19 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/55R19 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.1 mph

265/55R19 is +1.04 inches (+3.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/50R19265/55R19Difference%
Overall diameter29.43"30.48"+1.04"+3.5%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.22"5.74"+0.52"+10.0%
Circumference92.47"95.74"+3.28"+3.5%
Revolutions per mile685.2661.8−23.5−3.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/50R19 and you fit 265/55R19, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.8 mph+1.8 mph
60 mph62.1 mph+2.1 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.5 mph+2.5 mph
75 mph77.7 mph+2.7 mph
80 mph82.8 mph+2.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/50R19 or 265/55R19?
265/55R19 is taller by 1.04 inches (30.48" vs 29.43"). 265/50R19 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/50R19 with 265/55R19?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.5%, 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 265/55R19 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/55R19 fitted (calibrated for 265/50R19), your real speed is 62.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.5%.
Will 265/55R19 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.52 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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