205/50R15 vs 205/55R15

205/55R15 is 0.81 in (20.5 mm) taller than 205/50R15, a +3.50% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/50R15, an indicated 60 mph is 62.1 mph on 205/55R15.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +3.50%: outside the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 205/55R15 falls outside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 205/50R15; speedometer and ride-height changes are larger. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

205/50R15 vs 205/55R15 differences
Measurement	205/50R15	205/55R15	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	23.07 in (586.0 mm)	23.88 in (606.5 mm)	+0.81 in (+20.5 mm)	+3.50%
Sidewall height	4.04 in (102.5 mm)	4.44 in (112.8 mm)	+0.40 in (+10.3 mm)	+10.00%
Section width	8.07 in (205.0 mm)	8.07 in (205.0 mm)	0.00 in (0.0 mm)	0.00%
Circumference	72.48 in (1,841.0 mm)	75.01 in (1,905.4 mm)	+2.54 in (+64.4 mm)	+3.50%
Revolutions per mile	874	845	−30	−3.38%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/50R15
Indicated	Actual on 205/50R15	Actual on 205/55R15	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	31.0 mph	+1.0 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	62.1 mph	+2.1 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	77.6 mph	+2.6 mph

Ride-height change: 205/55R15 raises the vehicle by 0.40 in (10.3 mm) at the axle (half the +20.5 mm diameter difference).

205/55R15 is 0.81 in taller than 205/50R15 and the same width, a 3.50% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/50R15, an indicated 60 mph is actually 62.1 mph on 205/55R15, and revolutions per mile change from 874 to 845.

Both sizes mount on 15-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 205/50R15

Other comparisons with 205/55R15

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.