TireSizesFinder

205/55R15 vs 205/50R16

205/50R16 is 0.19 in (4.9 mm) taller than 205/55R15, a +0.81% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/55R15, an indicated 60 mph is 60.5 mph on 205/50R16.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.81%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 205/50R16 is a near match for 205/55R15; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 205/55R15 (23.88 in) vs 205/50R16 (24.07 in)205/55R1523.88 in × 8.07 in205/50R1624.07 in × 8.07 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
205/55R15 vs 205/50R16 differences
Measurement205/55R15205/50R16Difference% diff
Overall diameter23.88 in (606.5 mm)24.07 in (611.4 mm)+0.19 in (+4.9 mm)+0.81%
Sidewall height4.44 in (112.8 mm)4.04 in (102.5 mm)−0.40 in (−10.2 mm)−9.09%
Section width8.07 in (205.0 mm)8.07 in (205.0 mm)0.00 in (0.0 mm)0.00%
Circumference75.01 in (1,905.4 mm)75.62 in (1,920.8 mm)+0.61 in (+15.4 mm)+0.81%
Revolutions per mile845838−7−0.80%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/55R15
IndicatedActual on 205/55R15Actual on 205/50R16Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.2 mph+0.2 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.5 mph+0.5 mph
75 mph75.0 mph75.6 mph+0.6 mph

Ride-height change: 205/50R16 raises the vehicle by 0.10 in (2.4 mm) at the axle (half the +4.9 mm diameter difference).

205/50R16 is 0.19 in taller than 205/55R15 and the same width, a 0.81% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/55R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.5 mph on 205/50R16, and revolutions per mile change from 845 to 838.

205/50R16 mounts on a 16-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 15-inch wheel of 205/55R15.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 205/55R15

Other comparisons with 205/50R16

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.