Tire Size Box

275/50R22 vs 275/55R22

275/55R22 compared with 275/50R22

+3.3% diameter, 0.0" width

275/55R22 is 33.91" tall vs 32.83". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

32.8"22" rim5.4"10.8" wide
275/50R22 (solid) compared with 275/55R22 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 275/55R22 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

275/55R22 is +1.08 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

275/50R22275/55R22Difference%
Overall diameter32.83"33.91"+1.08"+3.3%
Section width10.83"10.83"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.41"5.95"+0.54"+10.0%
Circumference103.13"106.53"+3.40"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile614.4594.8−19.6−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 275/50R22 and you fit 275/55R22, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 275/50R22 or 275/55R22?
275/55R22 is taller by 1.08 inches (33.91" vs 32.83"). 275/50R22 is the same width.
Can I replace 275/50R22 with 275/55R22?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.3%, 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 275/55R22 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 275/55R22 fitted (calibrated for 275/50R22), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 275/55R22 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.54 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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