Tire Size Box

295/45R17 vs 295/50R17

295/50R17 compared with 295/45R17

+4.2% diameter, 0.0" width

295/50R17 is 28.61" tall vs 27.45". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.5"17" rim5.2"11.6" wide
295/45R17 (solid) compared with 295/50R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 295/50R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.5 mph

295/50R17 is +1.16 inches (+4.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

295/45R17295/50R17Difference%
Overall diameter27.45"28.61"+1.16"+4.2%
Section width11.61"11.61"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.23"5.81"+0.58"+11.1%
Circumference86.25"89.89"+3.65"+4.2%
Revolutions per mile734.6704.8−29.8−4.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 295/45R17 and you fit 295/50R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.3 mph+1.3 mph
40 mph41.7 mph+1.7 mph
50 mph52.1 mph+2.1 mph
60 mph62.5 mph+2.5 mph
65 mph67.7 mph+2.7 mph
70 mph73.0 mph+3.0 mph
75 mph78.2 mph+3.2 mph
80 mph83.4 mph+3.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 295/45R17 or 295/50R17?
295/50R17 is taller by 1.16 inches (28.61" vs 27.45"). 295/45R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 295/45R17 with 295/50R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.2%, 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 295/50R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 295/50R17 fitted (calibrated for 295/45R17), your real speed is 62.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.2%.
Will 295/50R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.58 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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