CarSpecsHQ

225/45R17 vs 235/50R17

235/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/45R17: the diameter differs by +5.12%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
225/45R17 24.97" · 235/50R17 26.25" · drawn to scale

Side by side

225/45R17235/50R17Difference
Overall diameter24.97"26.25"+1.28" (+5.12%)
Section width225 mm235 mm+10 mm
Sidewall3.99"4.63"+0.64"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference78.5"82.5"+4.0"
Revs per mile808768-39
Ride height——+0.64"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.1+3.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.1 mph

With 235/50R17 on a car calibrated for 225/45R17, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.1 mph
70 mph73.6 mph
80 mph84.1 mph

Other sizes close to 225/45R17

Questions

Can I replace 225/45R17 with 235/50R17?

235/50R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/45R17: the diameter differs by +5.12%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 225/45R17 and 235/50R17?

235/50R17 is 1.28" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.64". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.

Will 235/50R17 fit on 225/45R17 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.