Tire Size Box

285/45R15 vs 275/50R15

275/50R15 compared with 285/45R15

+2.9% diameter, −0.4" width

275/50R15 is 25.83" tall vs 25.10". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

25.1"15" rim5.0"11.2" wide
285/45R15 (solid) compared with 275/50R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 275/50R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.7 mph

275/50R15 is +0.73 inches (+2.9%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

285/45R15275/50R15Difference%
Overall diameter25.10"25.83"+0.73"+2.9%
Section width11.22"10.83"−0.39"−3.5%
Sidewall height5.05"5.41"+0.36"+7.2%
Circumference78.85"81.14"+2.29"+2.9%
Revolutions per mile803.6780.9−22.7−2.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 285/45R15 and you fit 275/50R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph30.9 mph+0.9 mph
40 mph41.2 mph+1.2 mph
50 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.7 mph+1.7 mph
65 mph66.9 mph+1.9 mph
70 mph72.0 mph+2.0 mph
75 mph77.2 mph+2.2 mph
80 mph82.3 mph+2.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 285/45R15 or 275/50R15?
275/50R15 is taller by 0.73 inches (25.83" vs 25.10"). 285/45R15 is wider by 0.39 inches.
Can I replace 285/45R15 with 275/50R15?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +2.9%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 275/50R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 275/50R15 fitted (calibrated for 285/45R15), your real speed is 61.7 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 2.9%.
Will 275/50R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.36 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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