CarSpecsHQ

215/45R17 vs 225/50R17

225/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/45R17: the diameter differs by +5.04%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
215/45R17 24.62" · 225/50R17 25.86" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/45R17225/50R17Difference
Overall diameter24.62"25.86"+1.24" (+5.04%)
Section width215 mm225 mm+10 mm
Sidewall3.81"4.43"+0.62"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference77.3"81.2"+3.9"
Revs per mile819780-39
Ride height——+0.62"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 225/50R17 on a car calibrated for 215/45R17, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.5 mph
80 mph84.0 mph

Other sizes close to 215/45R17

Questions

Can I replace 215/45R17 with 225/50R17?

225/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/45R17: the diameter differs by +5.04%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/45R17 and 225/50R17?

225/50R17 is 1.24" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.62". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 225/50R17 fit on 215/45R17 wheels?

Both use a 17" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 225 mm tire and the fender clearance.