Tire Size Box

275/50R16 vs 225/55R17

225/55R17 compared with 275/50R16

−0.3% diameter, −2.0" width

225/55R17 is 26.74" tall vs 26.83". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

26.8"16" rim5.4"10.8" wide
275/50R16 (solid) compared with 225/55R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 225/55R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

59.8 mph

225/55R17 is −0.08 inches (−0.3%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

275/50R16225/55R17Difference%
Overall diameter26.83"26.74"−0.08"−0.3%
Section width10.83"8.86"−1.97"−18.2%
Sidewall height5.41"4.87"−0.54"−10.0%
Circumference84.28"84.02"−0.26"−0.3%
Revolutions per mile751.8754.1+2.3+0.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 275/50R16 and you fit 225/55R17, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph19.9 mph−0.1 mph
30 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
40 mph39.9 mph−0.1 mph
50 mph49.8 mph−0.2 mph
60 mph59.8 mph−0.2 mph
65 mph64.8 mph−0.2 mph
70 mph69.8 mph−0.2 mph
75 mph74.8 mph−0.2 mph
80 mph79.8 mph−0.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 275/50R16 or 225/55R17?
275/50R16 is taller by 0.08 inches (26.83" vs 26.74"). 275/50R16 is wider by 1.97 inches.
Can I replace 275/50R16 with 225/55R17?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is −0.3%, 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 225/55R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 225/55R17 fitted (calibrated for 275/50R16), your real speed is 59.8 mph. Your odometer will over-count miles by about 0.3%.
Will 225/55R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: −0.04 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons