Tire Size Box

275/40R22 vs 275/50R22

275/50R22 compared with 275/40R22

+7.1% diameter, 0.0" width

275/50R22 is 32.83" tall vs 30.66". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

30.7"22" rim4.3"10.8" wide
275/40R22 (solid) compared with 275/50R22 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 275/50R22 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.2 mph

275/50R22 is +2.17 inches (+7.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

275/40R22275/50R22Difference%
Overall diameter30.66"32.83"+2.17"+7.1%
Section width10.83"10.83"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.33"5.41"+1.08"+25.0%
Circumference96.33"103.13"+6.80"+7.1%
Revolutions per mile657.8614.4−43.4−6.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 275/40R22 and you fit 275/50R22, 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 mph53.5 mph+3.5 mph
60 mph64.2 mph+4.2 mph
65 mph69.6 mph+4.6 mph
70 mph74.9 mph+4.9 mph
75 mph80.3 mph+5.3 mph
80 mph85.6 mph+5.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 275/40R22 or 275/50R22?
275/50R22 is taller by 2.17 inches (32.83" vs 30.66"). 275/40R22 is the same width.
Can I replace 275/40R22 with 275/50R22?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.1%, 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 275/50R22 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 275/50R22 fitted (calibrated for 275/40R22), your real speed is 64.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.1%.
Will 275/50R22 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.08 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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