Tire Size Box

275/50R16 vs 275/55R16

275/55R16 compared with 275/50R16

+4.0% diameter, 0.0" width

275/55R16 is 27.91" tall vs 26.83". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

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

With 275/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.4 mph

275/55R16 is +1.08 inches (+4.0%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

275/50R16275/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.83"27.91"+1.08"+4.0%
Section width10.83"10.83"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.41"5.95"+0.54"+10.0%
Circumference84.28"87.68"+3.40"+4.0%
Revolutions per mile751.8722.6−29.2−3.9%

Speedometer difference

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

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.2 mph+1.2 mph
40 mph41.6 mph+1.6 mph
50 mph52.0 mph+2.0 mph
60 mph62.4 mph+2.4 mph
65 mph67.6 mph+2.6 mph
70 mph72.8 mph+2.8 mph
75 mph78.0 mph+3.0 mph
80 mph83.2 mph+3.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 275/50R16 or 275/55R16?
275/55R16 is taller by 1.08 inches (27.91" vs 26.83"). 275/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 275/50R16 with 275/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.0%, 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 275/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 275/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 275/50R16), your real speed is 62.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.0%.
Will 275/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.54 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons