Tire Size Box

295/40R16 vs 295/50R16

295/50R16 compared with 295/40R16

+9.2% diameter, 0.0" width

295/50R16 is 27.61" tall vs 25.29". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.3"16" rim4.6"11.6" wide
295/40R16 (solid) compared with 295/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 295/50R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

65.5 mph

295/50R16 is +2.32 inches (+9.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

295/40R16295/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter25.29"27.61"+2.32"+9.2%
Section width11.61"11.61"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.65"5.81"+1.16"+25.0%
Circumference79.46"86.75"+7.30"+9.2%
Revolutions per mile797.4730.4−67.1−8.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 295/40R16 and you fit 295/50R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.8 mph+1.8 mph
30 mph32.8 mph+2.8 mph
40 mph43.7 mph+3.7 mph
50 mph54.6 mph+4.6 mph
60 mph65.5 mph+5.5 mph
65 mph71.0 mph+6.0 mph
70 mph76.4 mph+6.4 mph
75 mph81.9 mph+6.9 mph
80 mph87.3 mph+7.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 295/40R16 or 295/50R16?
295/50R16 is taller by 2.32 inches (27.61" vs 25.29"). 295/40R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 295/40R16 with 295/50R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +9.2%, 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 295/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 295/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 295/40R16), your real speed is 65.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 9.2%.
Will 295/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.16 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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