Tire Size Box

275/50R16 vs 275/60R16

275/60R16 compared with 275/50R16

+8.1% diameter, 0.0" width

275/60R16 is 28.99" tall vs 26.83". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.8"16" rim5.4"10.8" wide
275/50R16 (solid) compared with 275/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 275/60R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.8 mph

275/60R16 is +2.17 inches (+8.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

275/50R16275/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.83"28.99"+2.17"+8.1%
Section width10.83"10.83"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.41"6.50"+1.08"+20.0%
Circumference84.28"91.08"+6.80"+8.1%
Revolutions per mile751.8695.6−56.1−7.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 275/50R16 and you fit 275/60R16, 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 mph54.0 mph+4.0 mph
60 mph64.8 mph+4.8 mph
65 mph70.2 mph+5.2 mph
70 mph75.7 mph+5.7 mph
75 mph81.1 mph+6.1 mph
80 mph86.5 mph+6.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 275/50R16 or 275/60R16?
275/60R16 is taller by 2.17 inches (28.99" vs 26.83"). 275/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 275/50R16 with 275/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +8.1%, 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 275/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 275/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 275/50R16), your real speed is 64.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 8.1%.
Will 275/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.08 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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