CarSpecsHQ

215/50R17 vs 235/50R17

235/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/50R17: the diameter differs by +3.09%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
215/50R17 25.46" · 235/50R17 26.25" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/50R17235/50R17Difference
Overall diameter25.46"26.25"+0.79" (+3.09%)
Section width215 mm235 mm+20 mm
Sidewall4.23"4.63"+0.39"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference80.0"82.5"+2.5"
Revs per mile792768-24
Ride height——+0.39"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.9+1.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.9 mph

With 235/50R17 on a car calibrated for 215/50R17, the speedometer reads 58.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.9 mph
45 mph46.4 mph
60 mph61.9 mph
70 mph72.2 mph
80 mph82.5 mph

Other sizes close to 215/50R17

Questions

Can I replace 215/50R17 with 235/50R17?

235/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/50R17: the diameter differs by +3.09%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/50R17 and 235/50R17?

235/50R17 is 0.79" taller and 20 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.39". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.9 mph.

Will 235/50R17 fit on 215/50R17 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.