Tire Size Box

285/45R22 vs 285/50R22

285/50R22 compared with 285/45R22

+3.5% diameter, 0.0" width

285/50R22 is 33.22" tall vs 32.10". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

32.1"22" rim5.0"11.2" wide
285/45R22 (solid) compared with 285/50R22 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 285/50R22 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.1 mph

285/50R22 is +1.12 inches (+3.5%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

285/45R22285/50R22Difference%
Overall diameter32.10"33.22"+1.12"+3.5%
Section width11.22"11.22"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.05"5.61"+0.56"+11.1%
Circumference100.84"104.37"+3.53"+3.5%
Revolutions per mile628.3607.1−21.2−3.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 285/45R22 and you fit 285/50R22, 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 mph62.1 mph+2.1 mph
65 mph67.3 mph+2.3 mph
70 mph72.4 mph+2.4 mph
75 mph77.6 mph+2.6 mph
80 mph82.8 mph+2.8 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 285/45R22 or 285/50R22?
285/50R22 is taller by 1.12 inches (33.22" vs 32.10"). 285/45R22 is the same width.
Can I replace 285/45R22 with 285/50R22?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.5%, 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 285/50R22 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 285/50R22 fitted (calibrated for 285/45R22), your real speed is 62.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.5%.
Will 285/50R22 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.56 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons