Tire Size Box

315/50R17 vs 315/55R17

315/55R17 compared with 315/50R17

+4.2% diameter, 0.0" width

315/55R17 is 30.64" tall vs 29.40". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

29.4"17" rim6.2"12.4" wide
315/50R17 (solid) compared with 315/55R17 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 315/55R17 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.5 mph

315/55R17 is +1.24 inches (+4.2%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

315/50R17315/55R17Difference%
Overall diameter29.40"30.64"+1.24"+4.2%
Section width12.40"12.40"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height6.20"6.82"+0.62"+10.0%
Circumference92.37"96.26"+3.90"+4.2%
Revolutions per mile686.0658.2−27.8−4.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 315/50R17 and you fit 315/55R17, 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 mph73.0 mph+3.0 mph
75 mph78.2 mph+3.2 mph
80 mph83.4 mph+3.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 315/50R17 or 315/55R17?
315/55R17 is taller by 1.24 inches (30.64" vs 29.40"). 315/50R17 is the same width.
Can I replace 315/50R17 with 315/55R17?
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 315/55R17 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 315/55R17 fitted (calibrated for 315/50R17), your real speed is 62.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 4.2%.
Will 315/55R17 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.62 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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