215/55R16 vs 225/50R17Tire Size Comparison

Safe

The 2.2% diameter difference is within the accepted 3% tolerance.

215/55R16643mm dia225/50R17657mm dia+6.9mm

Comparison Details

Overall Diameter642.9 vs 656.8 mm (+13.9 mm)
Diameter Difference+2.16%
Section Width215 vs 225 mm (+10 mm)
Sidewall Height118.3 vs 112.5 mm (-5.8 mm)
Circumference2019.7 vs 2063.4 mm
Clearance Change+6.9 mm
Speedometer Error+2.16%
Revs/Mile797 vs 780

Speedometer Correction

When switching from 215/55R16 to 225/50R17, your speedometer will differ from actual speed.

SpeedometerActual SpeedDifference
30 km/h30.6 km/h+0.6 km/h
40 km/h40.9 km/h+0.9 km/h
50 km/h51.1 km/h+1.1 km/h
60 km/h61.3 km/h+1.3 km/h
70 km/h71.5 km/h+1.5 km/h
80 km/h81.7 km/h+1.7 km/h
90 km/h91.9 km/h+1.9 km/h
100 km/h102.2 km/h+2.2 km/h
110 km/h112.4 km/h+2.4 km/h
120 km/h122.6 km/h+2.6 km/h
130 km/h132.8 km/h+2.8 km/h

Vehicles Using These Sizes

Vehicles with 215/55R16

2025 Honda CivicLX/Sport2024 Honda CivicLX/Sport2023 Honda CivicLX/Sport2022 Honda CivicLX/Sport2021 Honda CivicLX/Sport2020 Honda CivicLX/Sport

Vehicles with 225/50R17

2024 Audi A4Premium 40 TFSI2023 Audi A4Premium 40 TFSI2022 Audi A4Premium 40 TFSI2021 Audi A4Premium 40 TFSI2020 Audi A4Premium 40 TFSI2026 Honda AccordLX / EX / SE2025 Honda AccordLX/EX2024 Honda AccordLX/EX2023 Honda AccordLX/EX2022 Honda AccordLX/EX2021 Honda AccordLX/EX2020 Honda AccordLX/EX2025 Volvo S60Core B5 FWD2024 Volvo S60Core B5 FWD2023 Volvo S60B5 Momentum2022 Volvo S60T5 Momentum2021 Volvo S60T5 Momentum2020 Volvo S60T5 Momentum

Individual Tire Size Details

215/55R16
Full specifications, compatible vehicles, and alternatives
225/50R17
Full specifications, compatible vehicles, and alternatives

Practical Guidance

Switching from 215/55R16 to 225/50R17 is within the industry-accepted 3% diameter tolerance. Your speedometer, ABS, and traction control should function normally. Note: these sizes require different rim diameters (16" vs 17"), so you will need different wheels.

The 3% diameter tolerance is a widely accepted industry guideline referenced by the ETRTO and most vehicle manufacturers. When in doubt, consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a qualified tire professional. For U.S. tire safety standards and recalls, see the NHTSA Tire Safety page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safe. The overall diameter differs by 2.16%, width changes by 10mm.

Speedometer error will be 2.16%. At an indicated 100 km/h, actual speed is about 102.2 km/h.

Ground clearance changes by +6.9mm per side.