225/50R17 vs 215/55R17
215/55R17 has an overall diameter of 668.3 mm (26.31") compared with 656.8 mm (25.86") for 225/50R17, a difference of +11.5 mm (+1.75 %). The sidewall changes by +5.8 mm, section width by -10 mm and ride height by +5.8 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 225/50R17 turns 499 times per kilometre and 215/55R17 turns 491 times. With 215/55R17 fitted to a car calibrated for 225/50R17, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 101.8 km/h, and the odometer records 98.3 km for every 100 km driven. This is within the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 225/50R17 | 215/55R17 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 225 mm | 215 mm | -10 mm |
| Sidewall height | 112.5 mm | 118.3 mm | +5.8 mm |
| Rim diameter | 17" | 17" | 0.0" |
| Overall diameter | 656.8 mm (25.86") | 668.3 mm (26.31") | +11.5 mm (+1.75 %) |
| Static circumference | 2063 mm | 2100 mm | +36 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2003 mm | 2038 mm | +35 mm |
| Revs per km | 499 | 491 | -9 |
| Ride height | +5.8 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 25.9×8.9R17 | 26.3×8.5R17 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 6″–8″ | 6″–8″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 40.7 | 50.9 | 61.1 | 81.4 | 101.8 | 111.9 |
| Error (km/h) | +0.7 | +0.9 | +1.1 | +1.4 | +1.8 | +1.9 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 225/50R17. Odometer records 98.3 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 215/55R17 is 11.5 mm (1.75 %) larger in diameter, so your speedo will read low and your odometer will under-record distance.
- Section width changes by -10 mm. Check guard, strut and inner-arch clearance and that the rim width is within the approved range for the new tyre.
Is 215/55R17 legal in Australia? Within limits, verify speedo
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) Diameter change of +11.5 mm is within the +15 mm / -26 mm allowance for a passenger car (MA/MB) (measured against the largest size the manufacturer designates for the model). | OK |
| Speedometer (ADR 18/03) A larger tyre makes the speedo read lower: at an indicated 100 km/h you would be doing 101.8 km/h. ADR 18 requires the speedo never to read below true speed, but factory speedos typically over-read by 2-6 %, so a 1.8 % increase is usually absorbed. Verify with a GPS speed app after fitting. | Verify |
| Load index (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard load index and the replacement tyre load index to check. | ? |
| Speed rating (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard speed rating and the replacement tyre speed rating to check. | ? |
Frequently asked
Can I fit 215/55R17 instead of 225/50R17?
Overall diameter changes by +11.5 mm (+1.75 %). That is within the usual 3 % rule of thumb, so it is generally an acceptable swap provided the load index and speed rating meet your tyre placard and the tyre suits your rim width. In Australia VSB 14 allows up to +15 mm for passenger cars and +50 mm for 4WDs/goods vehicles without certification.
How much will my speedo be out with 215/55R17?
Your speedo will read low by about 1.75 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 101.8 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 111.9 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 215/55R17?
Static circumference is 2100 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 2038 mm, which is 491 revolutions per kilometre.
215/55R17 in inches
215/55R17 is approximately 26.3×8.5R17: 26.3" tall, 8.5" wide, on a 17" rim, with a 4.7" sidewall.
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