CarSpecsHQ

215/50R17 vs 225/55R17

225/55R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/50R17: the diameter differs by +5.02%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
215/50R17 25.46" · 225/55R17 26.74" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/50R17225/55R17Difference
Overall diameter25.46"26.74"+1.28" (+5.02%)
Section width215 mm225 mm+10 mm
Sidewall4.23"4.87"+0.64"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference80.0"84.0"+4.0"
Revs per mile792754-38
Ride height——+0.64"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 225/55R17 on a car calibrated for 215/50R17, 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 215/50R17

Questions

Can I replace 215/50R17 with 225/55R17?

225/55R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/50R17: the diameter differs by +5.02%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/50R17 and 225/55R17?

225/55R17 is 1.28" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.64". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 225/55R17 fit on 215/50R17 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.