Tire Size Box

195/45R17 vs 195/50R17

195/50R17 compared with 195/45R17

+3.2% diameter, 0.0" width

195/50R17 is 24.68" tall vs 23.91". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.9"17" rim3.5"7.7" wide
195/45R17 (solid) compared with 195/50R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 195/50R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

195/50R17 is +0.77 inches (+3.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/45R17195/50R17Difference%
Overall diameter23.91"24.68"+0.77"+3.2%
Section width7.68"7.68"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.45"3.84"+0.38"+11.1%
Circumference75.11"77.53"+2.41"+3.2%
Revolutions per mile843.5817.3−26.2−3.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/45R17 and you fit 195/50R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.2 mph+2.2 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/45R17 or 195/50R17?
195/50R17 is taller by 0.77 inches (24.68" vs 23.91"). 195/45R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 195/45R17 with 195/50R17?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.2%, 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 195/50R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 195/50R17 fitted (calibrated for 195/45R17), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.2%.
Will 195/50R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.38 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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