CarSpecsHQ

205/50R17 vs 235/50R17

235/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/50R17: the diameter differs by +4.71%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
205/50R17 25.07" · 235/50R17 26.25" · drawn to scale

Side by side

205/50R17235/50R17Difference
Overall diameter25.07"26.25"+1.18" (+4.71%)
Section width205 mm235 mm+30 mm
Sidewall4.04"4.63"+0.59"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference78.8"82.5"+3.7"
Revs per mile804768-36
Ride height——+0.59"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.8+2.8 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.8 mph

With 235/50R17 on a car calibrated for 205/50R17, the speedometer reads 57.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.7%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.1 mph
60 mph62.8 mph
70 mph73.3 mph
80 mph83.8 mph

Other sizes close to 205/50R17

Questions

Can I replace 205/50R17 with 235/50R17?

235/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/50R17: the diameter differs by +4.71%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 205/50R17 and 235/50R17?

235/50R17 is 1.18" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.59". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.8 mph.

Will 235/50R17 fit on 205/50R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 235 mm tire and the fender clearance.