205/45R19 vs 205/50R19

205/50R19 compared with 205/45R19

+3.1% diameter, 0.0" width

205/50R19 is 27.07" tall vs 26.26". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.3"19" rim3.6"8.1" wide
205/45R19 (solid) compared with 205/50R19 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/50R19 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

205/50R19 is +0.81 inches (+3.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

205/45R19205/50R19Difference%
Overall diameter26.26"27.07"+0.81"+3.1%
Section width8.07"8.07"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.63"4.04"+0.40"+11.1%
Circumference82.51"85.05"+2.54"+3.1%
Revolutions per mile767.9745.0−22.9−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 205/45R19 and you fit 205/50R19, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph30.9 mph+0.9 mph
40 mph41.2 mph+1.2 mph
50 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.8 mph+1.8 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.2 mph+2.2 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 205/45R19 or 205/50R19?
205/50R19 is taller by 0.81 inches (27.07" vs 26.26"). 205/45R19 is the same width.
Can I replace 205/45R19 with 205/50R19?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.1%, 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 205/50R19 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/50R19 fitted (calibrated for 205/45R19), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.1%.
Will 205/50R19 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.40 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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