255/45R15 vs 255/50R15
Comparison of overall diameter, sidewall, speedometer error, and ride-height change between these two tire sizes.
255/45R15
- Section width
- 255 mm
- Aspect ratio
- 45%
- Rim
- 15"
- Sidewall
- 114.8 mm
- Overall diameter
- 610.5 mm
- Revs / mile
- 839
255/50R15
- Section width
- 255 mm
- Aspect ratio
- 50%
- Rim
- 15"
- Sidewall
- 127.5 mm
- Overall diameter
- 636.0 mm
- Revs / mile
- 805
Difference
- Overall diameter
- +25.5 mm (+4.18%)
- Sidewall
- +12.8 mm
- Tread width
- +0 mm
- Ride height (axle)
- +12.8 mm
- Speedometer error
- +4.18%
- At indicated 60 mph
- actual 62.51 mph
Will 255/50R15 fit instead of 255/45R15?
The overall diameter changes by 4.18%. Most manufacturers consider a swap acceptable when the difference stays under 3% — beyond that, you may see speedometer error, ABS/TPMS warnings, or wheel-well clearance problems. This page only covers the math; your vehicle's wheel arches, suspension geometry, and load rating still matter.
What the numbers mean
- Overall diameter is the outside-to-outside height of the tire. Affects ride height, gearing, and speedometer.
- Sidewall is the height of the rubber from rim to tread. Lower sidewall = sharper steering, harsher ride.
- Speedometer error is the percentage your indicated speed will be off after the swap (positive = speedo reads lower than actual).