Tire Size Box

215/50R19 vs 215/55R19

215/55R19 compared with 215/50R19

+3.1% diameter, 0.0" width

215/55R19 is 28.31" tall vs 27.46". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.5"19" rim4.2"8.5" wide
215/50R19 (solid) compared with 215/55R19 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/55R19 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

215/55R19 is +0.85 inches (+3.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

215/50R19215/55R19Difference%
Overall diameter27.46"28.31"+0.85"+3.1%
Section width8.46"8.46"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.23"4.66"+0.42"+10.0%
Circumference86.28"88.94"+2.66"+3.1%
Revolutions per mile734.3712.4−22.0−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/50R19 and you fit 215/55R19, 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, 215/50R19 or 215/55R19?
215/55R19 is taller by 0.85 inches (28.31" vs 27.46"). 215/50R19 is the same width.
Can I replace 215/50R19 with 215/55R19?
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 215/55R19 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/55R19 fitted (calibrated for 215/50R19), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.1%.
Will 215/55R19 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.42 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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