Tire Size Box

275/45R22 vs 275/50R22

275/50R22 compared with 275/45R22

+3.4% diameter, 0.0" width

275/50R22 is 32.83" tall vs 31.74". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

31.7"22" rim4.9"10.8" wide
275/45R22 (solid) compared with 275/50R22 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 275/50R22 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

275/50R22 is +1.08 inches (+3.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

275/45R22275/50R22Difference%
Overall diameter31.74"32.83"+1.08"+3.4%
Section width10.83"10.83"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.87"5.41"+0.54"+11.1%
Circumference99.73"103.13"+3.40"+3.4%
Revolutions per mile635.3614.4−21.0−3.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 275/45R22 and you fit 275/50R22, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.4 mph+1.4 mph
50 mph51.7 mph+1.7 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.2 mph+2.2 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.6 mph+2.6 mph
80 mph82.7 mph+2.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 275/45R22 or 275/50R22?
275/50R22 is taller by 1.08 inches (32.83" vs 31.74"). 275/45R22 is the same width.
Can I replace 275/45R22 with 275/50R22?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.4%, 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 275/50R22 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 275/50R22 fitted (calibrated for 275/45R22), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.4%.
Will 275/50R22 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.54 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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