Tire Size Box

285/50R16 vs 285/55R16

285/55R16 compared with 285/50R16

+4.1% diameter, 0.0" width

285/55R16 is 28.34" tall vs 27.22". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.2"16" rim5.6"11.2" wide
285/50R16 (solid) compared with 285/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 285/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.5 mph

285/55R16 is +1.12 inches (+4.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

285/50R16285/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter27.22"28.34"+1.12"+4.1%
Section width11.22"11.22"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.61"6.17"+0.56"+10.0%
Circumference85.52"89.04"+3.53"+4.1%
Revolutions per mile740.9711.6−29.3−4.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 285/50R16 and you fit 285/55R16, 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 mph52.1 mph+2.1 mph
60 mph62.5 mph+2.5 mph
65 mph67.7 mph+2.7 mph
70 mph72.9 mph+2.9 mph
75 mph78.1 mph+3.1 mph
80 mph83.3 mph+3.3 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 285/50R16 or 285/55R16?
285/55R16 is taller by 1.12 inches (28.34" vs 27.22"). 285/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 285/50R16 with 285/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.1%, 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 285/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 285/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 285/50R16), your real speed is 62.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.1%.
Will 285/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.56 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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