Tire Size Box

265/50R22 vs 265/55R22

265/55R22 compared with 265/50R22

+3.2% diameter, 0.0" width

265/55R22 is 33.48" tall vs 32.43". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

32.4"22" rim5.2"10.4" wide
265/50R22 (solid) compared with 265/55R22 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/55R22 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.9 mph

265/55R22 is +1.04 inches (+3.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/50R22265/55R22Difference%
Overall diameter32.43"33.48"+1.04"+3.2%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.22"5.74"+0.52"+10.0%
Circumference101.89"105.17"+3.28"+3.2%
Revolutions per mile621.8602.5−19.4−3.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/50R22 and you fit 265/55R22, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph61.9 mph+1.9 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/50R22 or 265/55R22?
265/55R22 is taller by 1.04 inches (33.48" vs 32.43"). 265/50R22 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/50R22 with 265/55R22?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.2%, 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 265/55R22 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/55R22 fitted (calibrated for 265/50R22), your real speed is 61.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.2%.
Will 265/55R22 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.52 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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