Tire Size Box

305/50R17 vs 305/60R17

305/60R17 compared with 305/50R17

+8.3% diameter, 0.0" width

305/60R17 is 31.41" tall vs 29.01". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

29.0"17" rim6.0"12.0" wide
305/50R17 (solid) compared with 305/60R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 305/60R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

65.0 mph

305/60R17 is +2.40 inches (+8.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

305/50R17305/60R17Difference%
Overall diameter29.01"31.41"+2.40"+8.3%
Section width12.01"12.01"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height6.00"7.20"+1.20"+20.0%
Circumference91.13"98.68"+7.54"+8.3%
Revolutions per mile695.3642.1−53.2−7.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 305/50R17 and you fit 305/60R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.7 mph+1.7 mph
30 mph32.5 mph+2.5 mph
40 mph43.3 mph+3.3 mph
50 mph54.1 mph+4.1 mph
60 mph65.0 mph+5.0 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, 305/50R17 or 305/60R17?
305/60R17 is taller by 2.40 inches (31.41" vs 29.01"). 305/50R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 305/50R17 with 305/60R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +8.3%, 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 305/60R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 305/60R17 fitted (calibrated for 305/50R17), your real speed is 65.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 8.3%.
Will 305/60R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.20 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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