Tire Size Box

295/45R16 vs 295/50R16

295/50R16 compared with 295/45R16

+4.4% diameter, 0.0" width

295/50R16 is 27.61" tall vs 26.45". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

26.5"16" rim5.2"11.6" wide
295/45R16 (solid) compared with 295/50R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 295/50R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.6 mph

295/50R16 is +1.16 inches (+4.4%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

295/45R16295/50R16Difference%
Overall diameter26.45"27.61"+1.16"+4.4%
Section width11.61"11.61"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.23"5.81"+0.58"+11.1%
Circumference83.10"86.75"+3.65"+4.4%
Revolutions per mile762.4730.4−32.1−4.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 295/45R16 and you fit 295/50R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.9 mph+0.9 mph
30 mph31.3 mph+1.3 mph
40 mph41.8 mph+1.8 mph
50 mph52.2 mph+2.2 mph
60 mph62.6 mph+2.6 mph
65 mph67.9 mph+2.9 mph
70 mph73.1 mph+3.1 mph
75 mph78.3 mph+3.3 mph
80 mph83.5 mph+3.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 295/45R16 or 295/50R16?
295/50R16 is taller by 1.16 inches (27.61" vs 26.45"). 295/45R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 295/45R16 with 295/50R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.4%, 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 295/50R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 295/50R16 fitted (calibrated for 295/45R16), your real speed is 62.6 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.4%.
Will 295/50R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.58 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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