Tire Size Box

215/50R15 vs 205/55R15

205/55R15 compared with 215/50R15

+1.8% diameter, −0.4" width

205/55R15 is 23.88" tall vs 23.46". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

23.5"15" rim4.2"8.5" wide
215/50R15 (solid) compared with 205/55R15 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 205/55R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.1 mph

205/55R15 is +0.41 inches (+1.8%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

215/50R15205/55R15Difference%
Overall diameter23.46"23.88"+0.41"+1.8%
Section width8.46"8.07"−0.39"−4.7%
Sidewall height4.23"4.44"+0.21"+4.9%
Circumference73.72"75.01"+1.30"+1.8%
Revolutions per mile859.5844.6−14.9−1.7%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/50R15 and you fit 205/55R15, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.4 mph+0.4 mph
30 mph30.5 mph+0.5 mph
40 mph40.7 mph+0.7 mph
50 mph50.9 mph+0.9 mph
60 mph61.1 mph+1.1 mph
65 mph66.1 mph+1.1 mph
70 mph71.2 mph+1.2 mph
75 mph76.3 mph+1.3 mph
80 mph81.4 mph+1.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/50R15 or 205/55R15?
205/55R15 is taller by 0.41 inches (23.88" vs 23.46"). 215/50R15 is wider by 0.39 inches.
Can I replace 215/50R15 with 205/55R15?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +1.8%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 205/55R15 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 205/55R15 fitted (calibrated for 215/50R15), your real speed is 61.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 1.8%.
Will 205/55R15 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.21 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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