Tire Size Box

195/50R15 vs 195/55R15

195/55R15 compared with 195/50R15

+3.4% diameter, 0.0" width

195/55R15 is 23.44" tall vs 22.68". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

22.7"15" rim3.8"7.7" wide
195/50R15 (solid) compared with 195/55R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 195/55R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

195/55R15 is +0.77 inches (+3.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/50R15195/55R15Difference%
Overall diameter22.68"23.44"+0.77"+3.4%
Section width7.68"7.68"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.84"4.22"+0.38"+10.0%
Circumference71.24"73.65"+2.41"+3.4%
Revolutions per mile889.4860.2−29.1−3.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/50R15 and you fit 195/55R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.5 mph+2.5 mph
80 mph82.7 mph+2.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/50R15 or 195/55R15?
195/55R15 is taller by 0.77 inches (23.44" vs 22.68"). 195/50R15 is the same width.
Can I replace 195/50R15 with 195/55R15?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.4%, 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 195/55R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 195/55R15 fitted (calibrated for 195/50R15), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.4%.
Will 195/55R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.38 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons