SidewallerTire & wheel calculators

205/55R15 vs 205/50R16

205/50R16 is 0.8% taller (+0.19 in) and the same width than 205/55R15.

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Close match

205/50R16 is 0.8% taller than 205/55R15. That is inside the ±3% most shops treat as a straight swap.

205/55R15205/50R16Change
Diameter23.88″24.07″+0.19″+0.8%
Width8.07″8.07″0.00″0.0%
Sidewall4.44″4.04″−0.40″−9.1%
Circumference75.0″75.6″+0.6″+0.8%
Wheel15″16″+1″
Revs per mile845838−7
SideTread
205/55R15205/50R16
Speedometer shows 60 mph60.5mph

Real speed on 205/50R16.

Ground clearance+0.10in

Change in height under the axle.

Width per side0.00in

On the same wheel, split inboard and outboard.

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205/55R15 or 205/50R16?

Can I use 205/50R16 instead of 205/55R15?

205/50R16 is 0.8% taller than 205/55R15. That is inside the ±3% most shops treat as a straight swap. Also match or beat the original load index and speed rating, and check that the wheel width suits the new tire.

Will my speedometer be off?

At an indicated 60 mph on 205/50R16 you are really doing 60.5 mph if the speedometer was set up for 205/55R15. Going the other way, 205/55R15 would make it read 59.5 mph at a real 60.

How much ground clearance does it change?

Half the diameter difference: +0.10 in (+2 mm) under the axle.

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