Tire Size Box

295/50R16 vs 295/55R16

295/55R16 compared with 295/50R16

+4.2% diameter, 0.0" width

295/55R16 is 28.78" tall vs 27.61". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

27.6"16" rim5.8"11.6" wide
295/50R16 (solid) compared with 295/55R16 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 295/55R16 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.5 mph

295/55R16 is +1.16 inches (+4.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

295/50R16295/55R16Difference%
Overall diameter27.61"28.78"+1.16"+4.2%
Section width11.61"11.61"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.81"6.39"+0.58"+10.0%
Circumference86.75"90.40"+3.65"+4.2%
Revolutions per mile730.4700.9−29.5−4.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 295/50R16 and you fit 295/55R16, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.3 mph+1.3 mph
40 mph41.7 mph+1.7 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 mph78.2 mph+3.2 mph
80 mph83.4 mph+3.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 295/50R16 or 295/55R16?
295/55R16 is taller by 1.16 inches (28.78" vs 27.61"). 295/50R16 is the same width.
Can I replace 295/50R16 with 295/55R16?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +4.2%, 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 295/55R16 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 295/55R16 fitted (calibrated for 295/50R16), your real speed is 62.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.2%.
Will 295/55R16 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.58 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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