TireSizesFinder

235/60R16 vs 255/50R17

255/50R17 is 0.06 in (1.6 mm) shorter than 235/60R16, a −0.23% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 235/60R16, an indicated 60 mph is 59.9 mph on 255/50R17.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.23%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 255/50R17 is a near match for 235/60R16; 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: 235/60R16 (27.10 in) vs 255/50R17 (27.04 in)235/60R1627.10 in × 9.25 in255/50R1727.04 in × 10.04 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
235/60R16 vs 255/50R17 differences
Measurement235/60R16255/50R17Difference% diff
Overall diameter27.10 in (688.4 mm)27.04 in (686.8 mm)−0.06 in (−1.6 mm)−0.23%
Sidewall height5.55 in (141.0 mm)5.02 in (127.5 mm)−0.53 in (−13.5 mm)−9.57%
Section width9.25 in (235.0 mm)10.04 in (255.0 mm)+0.79 in (+20.0 mm)+8.51%
Circumference85.14 in (2,162.7 mm)84.95 in (2,157.6 mm)−0.20 in (−5.0 mm)−0.23%
Revolutions per mile744746+2+0.23%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 235/60R16
IndicatedActual on 235/60R16Actual on 255/50R17Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.9 mph−0.1 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.8 mph−0.2 mph

Ride-height change: 255/50R17 lowers the vehicle by 0.03 in (0.8 mm) at the axle (half the −1.6 mm diameter difference).

255/50R17 is 0.06 in shorter than 235/60R16 and 20 mm wider, a 0.23% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 235/60R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.9 mph on 255/50R17, and revolutions per mile change from 744 to 746.

255/50R17 mounts on a 17-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 16-inch wheel of 235/60R16.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 235/60R16

Other comparisons with 255/50R17

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