TireSizesFinder

215/55R16 vs 205/50R17

205/50R17 is 0.24 in (6.1 mm) shorter than 215/55R16, a −0.95% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 215/55R16, an indicated 60 mph is 59.4 mph on 205/50R17.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.95%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 205/50R17 is a near match for 215/55R16; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 215/55R16 (25.31 in) vs 205/50R17 (25.07 in)215/55R1625.31 in × 8.46 in205/50R1725.07 in × 8.07 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
215/55R16 vs 205/50R17 differences
Measurement215/55R16205/50R17Difference% diff
Overall diameter25.31 in (642.9 mm)25.07 in (636.8 mm)−0.24 in (−6.1 mm)−0.95%
Sidewall height4.66 in (118.3 mm)4.04 in (102.5 mm)−0.62 in (−15.7 mm)−13.32%
Section width8.46 in (215.0 mm)8.07 in (205.0 mm)−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)−4.65%
Circumference79.52 in (2,019.7 mm)78.76 in (2,000.6 mm)−0.75 in (−19.2 mm)−0.95%
Revolutions per mile797804+8+0.96%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 215/55R16
IndicatedActual on 215/55R16Actual on 205/50R17Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.7 mph−0.3 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.4 mph−0.6 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.3 mph−0.7 mph

Ride-height change: 205/50R17 lowers the vehicle by 0.12 in (3.1 mm) at the axle (half the −6.1 mm diameter difference).

205/50R17 is 0.24 in shorter than 215/55R16 and 10 mm narrower, a 0.95% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 215/55R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.4 mph on 205/50R17, and revolutions per mile change from 797 to 804.

205/50R17 mounts on a 17-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 16-inch wheel of 215/55R16.

Size pages

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Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.