255/50R15 tire size in inches

A 255/50R15 tire measures

25.0" tall × 10.0" wide

5.02" sidewall on a 15" wheel. 805 revolutions per mile.

255/50R15 means a tire 255 mm wide, with sidewalls 50% as tall as the tire is wide (127 mm), radial construction (R), for a 15 inch wheel.

25.0"15" rim5.0"10.0" wide
255/50R15: 25.0 inches tall, 10.0 inches wide, on a 15 inch rim, drawn to scale

255/50R15 specs

Overall diameter (height)25.04 inches (636 mm)
Section width10.04 inches (255 mm)
Sidewall height5.02 inches (127 mm)
Wheel (rim) diameter15 inches
Circumference78.7 inches (1,998 mm)
Revolutions per mile805
Revolutions per kilometer500
Approximate rim width7.5" to 9.0"
In inches (flotation style)25.0x10.0R15
Aspect ratio50%

Calculated from the size. Real tires differ by brand, model and tread depth, typically by a few tenths of an inch.

Sizes that can replace 255/50R15 on a 15" wheel

These 15" sizes are within 3% of 255/50R15's overall diameter, the range most tire shops treat as interchangeable.

SizeDiameterWidthDifferenceReal speed at 60
195/65R1524.98"7.68"−0.2%59.9 mphCompare
285/45R1525.10"11.22"+0.2%60.1 mphCompare
215/60R1525.16"8.46"+0.5%60.3 mphCompare
235/55R1525.18"9.25"+0.6%60.3 mphCompare
185/70R1525.20"7.28"+0.6%60.4 mphCompare
165/75R1524.74"6.50"−1.2%59.3 mphCompare
225/55R1524.74"8.86"−1.2%59.3 mphCompare
275/45R1524.74"10.83"−1.2%59.3 mphCompare
175/75R1525.33"6.89"+1.2%60.7 mphCompare
205/60R1524.69"8.07"−1.4%59.2 mphCompare
165/80R1525.39"6.50"+1.4%60.8 mphCompare
175/70R1524.65"6.89"−1.6%59.1 mphCompare

Same height on other wheel sizes (plus and minus sizing)

SizeWheelDiameterDifference
255/45R1616"25.04"0.0%Compare
165/85R1414"25.04"0.0%Compare
255/55R1414"25.04"0.0%Compare
255/40R1717"25.03"0.0%Compare
235/65R1313"25.03"0.0%Compare
255/35R1818"25.03"0.0%Compare
175/80R1414"25.02"−0.1%Compare
255/30R1919"25.02"−0.1%Compare
255/25R2020"25.02"−0.1%Compare
185/55R1717"25.01"−0.1%Compare
205/50R1717"25.07"+0.1%Compare
215/65R1414"25.00"−0.1%Compare

One size up or down

Compare 255/50R15 with another size

With 265/50R15 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

60.9 mph

265/50R15 is +0.39 inches (+1.6%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

255/50R15265/50R15Difference%
Overall diameter25.04"25.43"+0.39"+1.6%
Section width10.04"10.43"+0.39"+3.9%
Sidewall height5.02"5.22"+0.20"+3.9%
Circumference78.66"79.90"+1.24"+1.6%
Revolutions per mile805.5793.0−12.5−1.5%

Questions

How tall is a 255/50R15 tire?
A 255/50R15 tire is 25.0 inches tall (636 mm), calculated from the size. It is 10.0 inches wide with 5.0 inches sidewalls. Real tires vary by a few tenths of an inch between brands and tread patterns.
What does 255/50R15 mean?
255/50R15 means a tire 255 mm wide, with sidewalls 50% as tall as the tire is wide (127 mm), radial construction (R), for a 15 inch wheel.
How many revolutions per mile does a 255/50R15 tire make?
About 805 revolutions per mile, based on a circumference of 78.7 inches. Under load the tire flattens slightly, so the maker's published figure is usually a little higher.
What rim width fits a 255/50R15 tire?
Roughly 7.5" to 9.0". Check the tire maker's approved rim range for the exact model before buying wheels.
Can I use 195/65R15 instead of 255/50R15?
195/65R15 is −0.06 inches (−0.2%) in overall diameter, so at an indicated 60 mph you would be doing 59.9 mph. Differences under 3% are usually fine, but check clearance, load index and your vehicle's placard.

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