Tire Size Box

225/50R16 vs 225/55R16

225/55R16 compared with 225/50R16

+3.6% diameter, 0.0" width

225/55R16 is 25.74" tall vs 24.86". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

24.9"16" rim4.4"8.9" wide
225/50R16 (solid) compared with 225/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.1 mph

225/55R16 is +0.89 inches (+3.6%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

225/50R16225/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter24.86"25.74"+0.89"+3.6%
Section width8.86"8.86"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.43"4.87"+0.44"+10.0%
Circumference78.09"80.88"+2.78"+3.6%
Revolutions per mile811.3783.4−27.9−3.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 225/50R16 and you fit 225/55R16, 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 mph62.1 mph+2.1 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, 225/50R16 or 225/55R16?
225/55R16 is taller by 0.89 inches (25.74" vs 24.86"). 225/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 225/50R16 with 225/55R16?
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 225/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 225/50R16), your real speed is 62.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.6%.
Will 225/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.44 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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