CarSpecsHQ

255/50R19 vs 265/55R19

265/55R19 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/50R19: the diameter differs by +4.95%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

19" rim
255/50R19 29.04" · 265/55R19 30.48" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/50R19265/55R19Difference
Overall diameter29.04"30.48"+1.44" (+4.95%)
Section width255 mm265 mm+10 mm
Sidewall5.02"5.74"+0.72"
Rim19"19"same
Circumference91.2"95.7"+4.5"
Revs per mile695662-33
Ride height——+0.72"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 265/55R19 on a car calibrated for 255/50R19, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.5 mph
80 mph84.0 mph

Other sizes close to 255/50R19

Questions

Can I replace 255/50R19 with 265/55R19?

265/55R19 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/50R19: the diameter differs by +4.95%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/50R19 and 265/55R19?

265/55R19 is 1.44" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.72". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 265/55R19 fit on 255/50R19 wheels?

Both use a 19" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 265 mm tire and the fender clearance.