Tire Size Box

215/45R16 vs 215/50R16

215/50R16 compared with 215/45R16

+3.6% diameter, 0.0" width

215/50R16 is 24.46" tall vs 23.62". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

23.6"16" rim3.8"8.5" wide
215/45R16 (solid) compared with 215/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/50R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.2 mph

215/50R16 is +0.85 inches (+3.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/45R16215/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter23.62"24.46"+0.85"+3.6%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height3.81"4.23"+0.42"+11.1%
Circumference74.20"76.86"+2.66"+3.6%
Revolutions per mile853.9824.4−29.5−3.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/45R16 and you fit 215/50R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.8 mph+1.8 mph
60 mph62.2 mph+2.2 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.5 mph+2.5 mph
75 mph77.7 mph+2.7 mph
80 mph82.9 mph+2.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/45R16 or 215/50R16?
215/50R16 is taller by 0.85 inches (24.46" vs 23.62"). 215/45R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/45R16 with 215/50R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.6%, 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 215/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 215/45R16), your real speed is 62.2 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.6%.
Will 215/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.42 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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