205/55R16 vs 225/50R16 at a glance
| Measure | 205/55R16 (current) | 225/50R16 (new) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall height | 24.88 in | 24.86 in | −0.02 in (-0.08%) |
| Width | 8.07 in (205 mm) | 8.86 in (225 mm) | +20 mm |
| Sidewall | 4.44 in | 4.43 in | −0.01 in |
| Wheel | 16 in | 16 in | +0 in |
| Circumference | 78.2 in | 78.1 in | −0.1 in |
| Revs per mile | 810.7 | 811.3 | +0.6 |
Verdict: close match
Within the 3% rule of thumb, so the speedometer, gearing and ride height change little. Going from 205/55R16 to 225/50R16 is a 0.1% decrease in overall height (−0.02 in), and the vehicle sits about 0.01 in lower. The tire is 20 mm wider. The 3% rule of thumb comes from Discount Tire and 1010tires; it is not a guarantee of fit.
True speed and odometer
| Speedometer shows | You are really doing | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 35 mph | 35.0 mph | 0.0 mph |
| 45 mph | 45.0 mph | 0.0 mph |
| 55 mph | 55.0 mph | 0.0 mph |
| 60 mph | 60.0 mph | 0.0 mph |
| 65 mph | 64.9 mph | −0.1 mph |
| 70 mph | 69.9 mph | −0.1 mph |
| 75 mph | 74.9 mph | −0.1 mph |
Odometer: 1,000 indicated miles is 999 real miles, and 10,000 is 9,992.
The math
205/55R16: 16 + 2 × (205 × 55% ÷ 25.4) = 24.88 in. 225/50R16: 16 + 2 × (225 × 50% ÷ 25.4) = 24.86 in. Change = 24.86 ÷ 24.88 − 1 = -0.08%. True speed at 60 = 60 × 24.86 ÷ 24.88 = 59.95 mph.
Check next
- Regear and RPM at cruise for this swap
- Speedometer and odometer correction
- Other sizes within ±3% of 205/55R16
Calculated from the size alone. Real tires vary a little by brand and model, and the loaded radius is a bit smaller. Confirm the wheel width range, clearance, load index and speed rating for your vehicle. See how to read a tire size, the load index chart and the speed rating chart.
Size pages: 205/55R16 · 225/50R16. More swaps: all tire size comparisons.