Tire Size Box

295/50R17 vs 295/55R17

295/55R17 compared with 295/50R17

+4.1% diameter, 0.0" width

295/55R17 is 29.78" tall vs 28.61". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.6"17" rim5.8"11.6" wide
295/50R17 (solid) compared with 295/55R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 295/55R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.4 mph

295/55R17 is +1.16 inches (+4.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

295/50R17295/55R17Difference%
Overall diameter28.61"29.78"+1.16"+4.1%
Section width11.61"11.61"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.81"6.39"+0.58"+10.0%
Circumference89.89"93.54"+3.65"+4.1%
Revolutions per mile704.8677.3−27.5−3.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 295/50R17 and you fit 295/55R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.2 mph+1.2 mph
40 mph41.6 mph+1.6 mph
50 mph52.0 mph+2.0 mph
60 mph62.4 mph+2.4 mph
65 mph67.6 mph+2.6 mph
70 mph72.8 mph+2.8 mph
75 mph78.0 mph+3.0 mph
80 mph83.2 mph+3.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 295/50R17 or 295/55R17?
295/55R17 is taller by 1.16 inches (29.78" vs 28.61"). 295/50R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 295/50R17 with 295/55R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.1%, 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 295/55R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 295/55R17 fitted (calibrated for 295/50R17), your real speed is 62.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.1%.
Will 295/55R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.58 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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