215 45r17 vs 215 50r17 Tire Size: Checked Comparison

Are you making any plans to purchase new tires for your wheel but not really sure which one to pick between 215 45r17 and 215 50r17 tires? If the answer is yes, then guess what this article is designed just for you.

You see, you have designed this article “215 45r17 Vs 215 50r17 Tire Size” in such a way that it will definitely answer all your queries accordingly. You will not only learn all the major differences but also know much additional information only related to these two tires.

Both these tires have a really good reputation in the market and they are doing really great in the case of performance. So, if you are planning to purchase either one of the two then we suggest you read the article thoroughly without skipping anything.

215/45r17 Vs 215/50r17 Tire Size – Detailed Comparison Chart

21545r17 Vs 21550r17 Tire Size

We have prepared a numerical chart that will provide a detailed list of differences that will surely help you understand a lot about these tires. Here goes the chart: –

215 45R17 Tires215 45R17 Tires
Sidewall Height 3.81 inchesSidewall Height 4.23 inches
Section Width 8.46 inchesSection Width 8.46 inches
Overall Diameter 24.62 inchesOverall Diameter 25.46 inches
Revs Per Mile 819Revs Per Mile 792
Radius 12.31 inchesRadius 12.73 inches
Circumference 77.34 inchesCircumference 80.00 inches
Rim Diameter 17 inchesRim Diameter 17 inches
Typical Weight 22 lbsTypical Weight 22 lbs
Tread Depth 9/32 inchesTread Depth 9/32 inches
Tire Type ( A-Radial Ply Tire)Tire Type ( A-Radial Ply Tire)

215 45r17 Vs 215 50r17 tire size: A Discussion of Differences

Now, let us go through the differences in detail so that you may understand the differences better. Here is the discussion: –

Sidewall Height

  • It refers to the ratio of sidewall height and the width of the tire tread.
  • It is also known as the aspect ratio of a tire.
  • It is commonly written after the letter “R”.

The sidewall height of the 215 45r17 tires is 3.81 inches. Whereas, the sidewall height of the 215 50r17 tires is 4.23 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 0.42 inches. Percentage-wise the difference stands at 11.1%. The 215 50r17 tires have a slightly higher sidewall than the 215 45r17 tires.

Section Width 

  • Section width refers to the width of a tire measured from sidewall to sidewall.
  • It is measured at the widest point of the tire when it is mounted on the wheel.
  • It should be matched with the recommended size of the wheel for a safer ride.

The cross-section width or the section width of the 215 45r17 tires is 8.46 inches. On the other hand, the section width of the the215 45r17 tires is also 8.46 inches. So, in terms of the section width, there is no difference between the two tires.

Overall Diameter

  • Overall diameter indicates the distance from the top of the tire to the bottom.
  • It plays an important role in the handling part of the vehicle.
  • It influences the speedometer and odometer readings.

The overall diameter of the 215 45r17 tires is 24,62 inches. Whereas, the overall diameter of the 215 50r17 tires is 25,46 inches. The difference between the two in this respect is 0.85 inches. Percentage-wise it is 3.4% only.  So, it means the 215 50r17 tires have a slightly higher diameter than the 215 45r17 tires.

Revs Per Mile

  • It is a measurement of how many times a tire spins around in one mile.
  • It is also known as the RPM of a tire.
  • It helps to provide an accurate speedometer reading.

The RPM of the 215 45r17 tires is 819. On the contrary, the RPM of the 215 50r17 tires is 792. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 27. Percentage-wise, the difference stands at 3.3%. The 215 45r17 tires have slightly more RPM than the 215 50r17 tires.

Radius

  • It refers to the distance from the center of the wheel to the outer edge of the tire. 
  • It is used in calculations related to the tire’s size and rolling distance. 
  • Large radius means the tire is bigger and a small radius means the opposite.

The radius of the 215 45r17 tires is 12.31 inches. Whereas, the radius of the 215 50r17 tires is 12.73 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 0.42 inches. The  215 50r17 tires have a slightly higher radius than the 215 45r17 tires.

Circumference

  • The circumference of a tire is the distance around the outside of the tire.   
  • It is the distance the tire will travel in one complete rotation.
  • It is usually measured in inches.

The circumference of the 215 45r17 tires is 77.34 inches. On the contrary, the circumference of the 215 50r17 tires is 80.00 inches. The difference between the two in this respect is 2.66 inches. Percentage-wise the difference is 3.4% only.

Rim Diameter  

  • Rim diameter refers to the diameter of the wheel on which it is mounted. 
  • It is the distance across the wheel measured through the center of the wheel.
  • It is the diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel where the hub fits in.

Rim diameter helps us decide which tire will sit upon which set of wheels. Both the tires 215 45r17 and 215 50r17 have the same rim diameter of 17 inches.

Typical Weight  

  • Typical weight tells us about the actual weight of a tire.
  • It adds to the overall weight of the tire.
  • It puts a great impact on fuel economy.

The typical weight of the 215 45r17 tires is 22 pounds. On the contrary, the typical weight of the 215 50r17 tires is also the same and that is 22 pounds. So, in the case of typical weight, there is no difference at all between the two tires.

Tire Type

  • Radial tire types reduce build-up heat.
  • It can distribute weight evenly.
  • Almost 99% of tire manufacturing companies use this tire type.

Both the tires 215 45r17 and 215 50r17 have the A-radial ply tire construction type. This is the best tire construction type available in the market. This construction type provides an additional set of abilities to a tire that other tire types fail to provide.

215 45r17 vs 215 50r17 Tires: Additional Chart of Differences

We have again prepared a second numerical chart that will show the rest of the major differences that these two tires possess. Here is the chart: –

215 45R17 Tires215 50R17 Tires
 Max Load1356 lbsMax Load1356 lbs
Rim Width Range7-8 inchesRim Width Range6-7.50 inches
Max Speed168 mphMax Speed149 mph
Max PSI50Max PSI 44
Actual Speed 62.14 mphActual Speed60.07 mph
Sidewall Letters BlackSidewall Letters Black
Aspect Ratio45Aspect Ratio55
Speedometer Reading100 km/hSpeedometer Reading96.68 km/h
Speedometer Reading Status CorrectSpeedometer Reading slightly different

Let us now discuss the differences in detail so that you may choose wisely and make your future investments better. 

Max Load

  • The max load indicator is also known as the maximum weight capacity of a tire.
  • It is usually expressed in pounds or kilograms.
  • It indicates the highest weight that the tire can safely carry when inflated properly.

The max load indicator of the 215 45r17 tires is 1356 lbs. Whereas, the max load indicator for the 215 50r17 tires is also 1356 lbs. So, both tires can carry the same amount of maximum weight when inflated properly.

Rim Width Range  

  • It refers to the range of rim widths that the tire can be safely mounted on.
  • This range includes a minimum and maximum width.
  • It is usually printed on the sidewall of the tire.

The rim width range of the 215 45r17 tires is 6-7.50 inches. On the contrary, the rim width range of the 215 50r17 tires is 7-8 inches. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 1-0.5 inches.

Max Speed

  • It indicates the maximum safe speed at which a tire can be used under specific. 
  • It is also called the speed rating of the tire.
  • The speed rating is determined by the tire manufacturer through testing.

The max speed indicator of the 215 45r17 tires is 168 mph. Whereas, the max speed indicator of the 215 50r17 tires is 149 mph. The difference between the two tires in this regard is 19 mph. 

Max PSI 

  • PSI stands for pounds per square inch. 
  • It is the highest pressure at which the tire can be safely inflated.
  • It is usually expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI) or kilopascals (kPa).

The 215 45r17 tires have a max psi of 50. On the other hand, the max psi for the 215 50r17 tires is 44. The difference between the two tires in terms of the max psi is only 6.

Aspect Ratio

  • The aspect ratio is the height of the tire’s sidewall as a percentage of its width.
  • It is also known as the “profile” or “series” of a tire.
  • It describes the relationship between the tire’s sidewall height and width.

The aspect ratio of the 215 45r17 tires is 45. On the other hand, the aspect ratio of the 215 50r17 tires is 55. So, in terms of the aspect ratio, the 215 50r17 tires are slightly higher than the 215 45r17 tires.

What Is 215 45R17 Tire in Inches? 

If you convert 215 45R17 tires, it will look something like this 24.6×8.5R17. The tire has a section width of 8.5 inches or 215 mm.  Again it has a diameter of 24.6 inches or 626 mm. Moreover, it has a rim diameter of 17 inches as well.

215 45R17 Tires: Replacement Tire Sizes

Now let us have a look at some of the tire sizes that you can easily replace with the 215 45R17 tires. Keep in mind that the replacement tires have to be within 3% of the given tire’s overall diameter. Here is the table: 

Replacement Tire Sizes
Overall Diameter
225/40R1724.1 inches
205/45R1724.3 inches
185/50R1724.3 inches
235/40R1724.4 inches
175/45R1824.2 inches
135/60R1824.4 inches
235/35R1824.4 inches
235/30R1924.6 inches
245/30R1924.8 inches
215/35R1924.9 inches

What Is 215 50R17 Tire in Inches?

If you convert 215 50r17 tires, it will look something like this 25.5×8.5R17. The authentic section width of this tire is 8.5 inches or 215 mm.   The overall diameter stands at 25.5 inches or 648 mm. Moreover, it has a rim width of 17 inches.

215 50R17 Tires: Alternative Tire Sizes 

Now let us have a look at some of the tire sizes that you can easily alternate with the 215 45R17 tires. Keep in mind that the alternative tires have to be within 3% of the given tire’s overall diameter. Here is the table:

Alternative Tire Sizes
Overall Diameter
285/35R1724.9 inches
225/45R1725 inches
255/40R1725 inches
295/35R1725.1 inches
295/30R1825 inches
255/35R1825 inches
305/30R1825.2 inches
225/35R1925.2 inches
115/70R1925,4 inches
235/35R1925,5 inches

215 45R17 Vs 215 50R17 Tires: All Those Letters and Numbers?

In this section, we are going to discover all the numbers and letters that you see related to these two tires. After this process, you will learn all about these letters and numbers in detail. Here is what they stand for:

Symbols
Hidden Meaning
215These number informs you that the width of both tires is 215 millimeters each. 
45 & 55These two numbers point to the aspect ratio of both tires. To state it plainly, the sidewall height of one tire is 45% of the total width. Again, the sidewall height of the second tire is 55% of the total width.
RThis letter stands for the construction type of the tire. The letter “R” stands for radial and it is the standard tire construction type. 
17This number indicates that both of these tires are designed to fit the wheels that are 17 inches each.
Also Read: 215 55r17 vs 225 45r17 Tire Size – Table of Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Many questions are being asked every day by users around the world. Some of the frequently asked questions are discussed below: –

What Is the Difference Between 215 45R17 and 215 50R17 Tires?

The main difference between these two tire sizes is the aspect ratio. The 45r17 tire has an aspect ratio of 45, meaning that the sidewall height is 45% of the tire’s width. 

The 50r17 tire has an aspect ratio of 50, meaning that the sidewall height is 50% of the tire’s width. This means that the 50r17 tire will have a taller sidewall than the 45r17 tire.

How Does the Aspect Ratio Affect the Performance of the Tire?

The aspect ratio can affect the tire’s performance in terms of handling, comfort, and fuel efficiency. A lower aspect ratio (such as 45) generally results in better handling and performance, but a harsher ride. 

A higher aspect ratio (such as 50) generally results in a more comfortable ride but may impact performance and fuel efficiency.

Are 215 45R17 Tires Better than 215 50R17 Tires?

It depends on what you are looking for in a tire. If you prioritize handling and performance, then the 45R17 tire may be a better choice for you. If you prioritize comfort and a softer ride, then the 50R17 tire may be a better choice.

Are 215 45R17 Tires More Fuel Efficient than 215 50R17 Tires?

The 50R17 tire will be heavier than the 45R17 tire, which may result in less fuel efficiency. However, other factors such as tire construction and tread design also affect fuel efficiency, so it’s not wise to make a definitive comparison without more information.

Final Thoughts

The article  “215 45R17 Vs 215 50R17 tire size” provides great information about these two best tires. Both tires have different aspect ratios (45 vs 50) which means that the sidewall of the tire will be different. The 50 series will have a taller sidewall than the 45 series. 

The overall diameter of the tires will also be different. The 50 series will have a slightly larger diameter, which can affect the speedometer reading and the vehicle’s ground clearance.

Both tires have the same width of 215mm and are designed to fit 17-inch wheels. Overall, the choice between the two will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the driver.

I am an engineer and the chief editor of tireslover.com, I am a passionate blogger as well. I am the person who can ensure a perfect, informative, honest, and helpful, guide with 10 years of work experience with different varieties of tires.

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