CarSpecsHQ

225/50R17 vs 215/60R17

215/60R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/50R17: the diameter differs by +5.02%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

17" rim
225/50R17 25.86" · 215/60R17 27.16" · drawn to scale

Side by side

225/50R17215/60R17Difference
Overall diameter25.86"27.16"+1.30" (+5.02%)
Section width225 mm215 mm-10 mm
Sidewall4.43"5.08"+0.65"
Rim17"17"same
Circumference81.2"85.3"+4.1"
Revs per mile780743-37
Ride height——+0.65"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 215/60R17 on a car calibrated for 225/50R17, 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 225/50R17

Questions

Can I replace 225/50R17 with 215/60R17?

215/60R17 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/50R17: 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 225/50R17 and 215/60R17?

215/60R17 is 1.30" taller and 10 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.65". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 215/60R17 fit on 225/50R17 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.