285/40R22 vs 285/50R22

285/50R22 compared with 285/40R22

+7.2% diameter, 0.0" width

285/50R22 is 33.22" tall vs 30.98". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

31.0"22" rim4.5"11.2" wide
285/40R22 (solid) compared with 285/50R22 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 285/50R22 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.3 mph

285/50R22 is +2.24 inches (+7.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

285/40R22285/50R22Difference%
Overall diameter30.98"33.22"+2.24"+7.2%
Section width11.22"11.22"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.49"5.61"+1.12"+25.0%
Circumference97.32"104.37"+7.05"+7.2%
Revolutions per mile651.1607.1−44.0−6.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 285/40R22 and you fit 285/50R22, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.4 mph+1.4 mph
30 mph32.2 mph+2.2 mph
40 mph42.9 mph+2.9 mph
50 mph53.6 mph+3.6 mph
60 mph64.3 mph+4.3 mph
65 mph69.7 mph+4.7 mph
70 mph75.1 mph+5.1 mph
75 mph80.4 mph+5.4 mph
80 mph85.8 mph+5.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 285/40R22 or 285/50R22?
285/50R22 is taller by 2.24 inches (33.22" vs 30.98"). 285/40R22 is the same width.
Can I replace 285/40R22 with 285/50R22?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.2%, 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 285/50R22 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 285/50R22 fitted (calibrated for 285/40R22), your real speed is 64.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.2%.
Will 285/50R22 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.12 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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