Tire Size Box

285/50R15 vs 285/60R15

285/60R15 compared with 285/50R15

+8.6% diameter, 0.0" width

285/60R15 is 28.46" tall vs 26.22". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.2"15" rim5.6"11.2" wide
285/50R15 (solid) compared with 285/60R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 285/60R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

65.1 mph

285/60R15 is +2.24 inches (+8.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

285/50R15285/60R15Difference%
Overall diameter26.22"28.46"+2.24"+8.6%
Section width11.22"11.22"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.61"6.73"+1.12"+20.0%
Circumference82.37"89.42"+7.05"+8.6%
Revolutions per mile769.2708.5−60.6−7.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 285/50R15 and you fit 285/60R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.7 mph+1.7 mph
30 mph32.6 mph+2.6 mph
40 mph43.4 mph+3.4 mph
50 mph54.3 mph+4.3 mph
60 mph65.1 mph+5.1 mph
65 mph70.6 mph+5.6 mph
70 mph76.0 mph+6.0 mph
75 mph81.4 mph+6.4 mph
80 mph86.8 mph+6.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 285/50R15 or 285/60R15?
285/60R15 is taller by 2.24 inches (28.46" vs 26.22"). 285/50R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 285/50R15 with 285/60R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +8.6%, 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 285/60R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 285/60R15 fitted (calibrated for 285/50R15), your real speed is 65.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 8.6%.
Will 285/60R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.12 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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