225/50R17 vs 225/55R17 at a glance
| Measure | 225/50R17 (current) | 225/55R17 (new) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall height | 25.86 in | 26.74 in | +0.89 in (+3.43%) |
| Width | 8.86 in (225 mm) | 8.86 in (225 mm) | +0 mm |
| Sidewall | 4.43 in | 4.87 in | +0.44 in |
| Wheel | 17 in | 17 in | +0 in |
| Circumference | 81.2 in | 84.0 in | +2.8 in |
| Revs per mile | 779.9 | 754.1 | −25.8 |
Verdict: check clearance and speedometer
Over 3% and up to 5%: worth checking clearance, the speedometer and gearing before you buy. Going from 225/50R17 to 225/55R17 is a 3.4% increase in overall height (+0.89 in), and the vehicle sits about 0.44 in higher. The tire is the same width. 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 | 36.2 mph | +1.2 mph |
| 45 mph | 46.5 mph | +1.5 mph |
| 55 mph | 56.9 mph | +1.9 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.1 mph | +2.1 mph |
| 65 mph | 67.2 mph | +2.2 mph |
| 70 mph | 72.4 mph | +2.4 mph |
| 75 mph | 77.6 mph | +2.6 mph |
Odometer: 1,000 indicated miles is 1,034 real miles, and 10,000 is 10,343.
The math
225/50R17: 17 + 2 × (225 × 50% ÷ 25.4) = 25.86 in. 225/55R17: 17 + 2 × (225 × 55% ÷ 25.4) = 26.74 in. Change = 26.74 ÷ 25.86 − 1 = +3.43%. True speed at 60 = 60 × 26.74 ÷ 25.86 = 62.06 mph.
Check next
- Regear and RPM at cruise for this swap
- Speedometer and odometer correction
- Other sizes within ±3% of 225/50R17
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: 225/50R17 · 225/55R17. More swaps: all tire size comparisons.