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205/50R17 vs 205/55R16 tire size comparison

205/50R17205/55R16

205/55R16 is 0.2 in (0.77%) shorter than 205/50R17, with the same section width. They fit different wheels: 205/50R17 a 17-inch wheel and 205/55R16 a 16-inch wheel.

205/50R17 and 205/55R16 side by side

-0.2 in / -0.77%205/50R17: 25.1 in tall, solid line205/55R16: 24.9 in tall, dashed line205/50R17Width 8.1 in (205 mm)Sidewall 4.0 in (103 mm)205/55R16Width 8.1 in (205 mm)Sidewall 4.4 in (113 mm)
205/50R17 is drawn with a solid line and 205/55R16 with a dashed line. In each drawing both tires are to the same scale; the tread shoulder and bead curves are simplified. The table below has the same numbers.
Dimensions of 205/50R17 and 205/55R16, with the difference (205/55R16 minus 205/50R17)
Measurement205/50R17205/55R16DifferenceDifference %
Section width8.1 in (205 mm)8.1 in (205 mm)0.0 in (0 mm)0.00%
Sidewall height4.0 in (103 mm)4.4 in (113 mm)+0.4 in (+10 mm)+10.00%
Wheel (rim) diameter17.0 in (432 mm)16.0 in (406 mm)-1.0 in (-26 mm)-5.88%
Overall diameter25.1 in (637 mm)24.9 in (632 mm)-0.2 in (-5 mm)-0.77%
Circumference78.8 in (2001 mm)78.2 in (1985 mm)-0.6 in (-16 mm)-0.77%
Revolutions per mile804811+7+0.78%

Differences are 205/55R16 minus 205/50R17; percentages are relative to 205/50R17. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

The overall diameter differs by 0.77%, which is within the common 3% rule of thumb.

The rule of thumb keeps a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. It covers diameter only. It is not a fit, load or safety check, because width, wheel diameter, load capacity and clearance matter too. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Speedometer difference

When the speedometer reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 205/50R17, the actual speed on 205/55R16 is about 59.5 mph. When it reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 205/55R16, the actual speed on 205/50R17 is about 60.5 mph. These figures assume the speedometer is accurate on the original size and use nominal dimensions, so treat them as estimates.

Actual speed for a given speedometer reading, 205/50R17 against 205/55R16
Speedometer readsActual on 205/55R16 (built for 205/50R17)Actual on 205/50R17 (built for 205/55R16)
20 mph19.8 mph20.2 mph
30 mph29.8 mph30.2 mph
40 mph39.7 mph40.3 mph
50 mph49.6 mph50.4 mph
60 mph59.5 mph60.5 mph
70 mph69.5 mph70.5 mph
80 mph79.4 mph80.6 mph

A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Check the tire placard on the driver's door jamb and your owner's manual for the sizes your vehicle was built for. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Which vehicles use each size?

These vehicles list the size among their verified sizes, by trim. Open one to see all of its sizes.

Check it in the calculator

The calculator takes the same two sizes and shows the full comparison, or lets you swap either one for another size.

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Shop for 205/50R17 or 205/55R16 tires

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Other comparisons with 205/50R17

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 205/50R17 in overall diameter.

Other comparisons with 205/55R16

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 205/55R16 in overall diameter.

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