CarSpecsHQ

215/45R17 vs 215/50R17

215/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/45R17: the diameter differs by +3.44%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
215/45R17 24.62" · 215/50R17 25.46" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/45R17215/50R17Difference
Overall diameter24.62"25.46"+0.85" (+3.44%)
Section width215 mm215 mm0 mm
Sidewall3.81"4.23"+0.42"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference77.3"80.0"+2.7"
Revs per mile819792-27
Ride height——+0.42"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 215/50R17 on a car calibrated for 215/45R17, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.8 mph

Other sizes close to 215/45R17

Questions

Can I replace 215/45R17 with 215/50R17?

215/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/45R17: the diameter differs by +3.44%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/45R17 and 215/50R17?

215/50R17 is 0.85" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.42". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.1 mph.

Will 215/50R17 fit on 215/45R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 215 mm tire and the fender clearance.