Tire Size Box

225/50R21 vs 225/55R21

225/55R21 compared with 225/50R21

+3.0% diameter, 0.0" width

225/55R21 is 30.74" tall vs 29.86". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

29.9"21" rim4.4"8.9" wide
225/50R21 (solid) compared with 225/55R21 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/55R21 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

225/55R21 is +0.89 inches (+3.0%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

225/50R21225/55R21Difference%
Overall diameter29.86"30.74"+0.89"+3.0%
Section width8.86"8.86"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.43"4.87"+0.44"+10.0%
Circumference93.80"96.59"+2.78"+3.0%
Revolutions per mile675.5656.0−19.5−2.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 225/50R21 and you fit 225/55R21, 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 mph66.9 mph+1.9 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.2 mph+2.2 mph
80 mph82.4 mph+2.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 225/50R21 or 225/55R21?
225/55R21 is taller by 0.89 inches (30.74" vs 29.86"). 225/50R21 is the same width.
Can I replace 225/50R21 with 225/55R21?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +3.0%, 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 225/55R21 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/55R21 fitted (calibrated for 225/50R21), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.0%.
Will 225/55R21 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.44 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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