Tire Size Box

285/50R16 vs 285/60R16

285/60R16 compared with 285/50R16

+8.2% diameter, 0.0" width

285/60R16 is 29.46" tall vs 27.22". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.2"16" rim5.6"11.2" wide
285/50R16 (solid) compared with 285/60R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 285/60R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.9 mph

285/60R16 is +2.24 inches (+8.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

285/50R16285/60R16Difference%
Overall diameter27.22"29.46"+2.24"+8.2%
Section width11.22"11.22"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.61"6.73"+1.12"+20.0%
Circumference85.52"92.57"+7.05"+8.2%
Revolutions per mile740.9684.5−56.4−7.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 285/50R16 and you fit 285/60R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.6 mph+1.6 mph
30 mph32.5 mph+2.5 mph
40 mph43.3 mph+3.3 mph
50 mph54.1 mph+4.1 mph
60 mph64.9 mph+4.9 mph
65 mph70.4 mph+5.4 mph
70 mph75.8 mph+5.8 mph
75 mph81.2 mph+6.2 mph
80 mph86.6 mph+6.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 285/50R16 or 285/60R16?
285/60R16 is taller by 2.24 inches (29.46" vs 27.22"). 285/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 285/50R16 with 285/60R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +8.2%, 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 285/60R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 285/60R16 fitted (calibrated for 285/50R16), your real speed is 64.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 8.2%.
Will 285/60R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.12 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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