205/50R15 Tire Size

Change tire size

All You Need to Know About 205/50R15 Tires

205/50R15 on a tire means the tire features a 205 mm section width, a 50% aspect ratio, and a radial design built for 15-inch wheels. Before making a purchase, it is essential to convert 205/50R15 metric specs to inches and compare them against similar sizes like the 195/50R15 or 225/50R15. By evaluating these dimensions alongside top-rated tire reviews, drivers can ensure they select the most compatible and high-performing set for their specific vehicle.

What Are The Dimensions of 205/50R15 Tires in Inches?

The 205/50R15 tire has a section width of 8.07" (≈ 8.1"), a sidewall height of 4.04" (≈ 4.0"), a 15" wheel diameter, an overall diameter of 23.07" (≈ 23.1"), and a circumference of 72.48" (≈ 72.5"). 

The recommended rim width range for a 205/50R15 tire size is 6.0 - 7.5 inches.

In inches, the 205/50R15 tire size can be represented as 23.1" × 8.1" R15.

205/50R15 Tire Size Dimensions

205/50R15 Tire Size Dimensions in Inches (")

Formula to Convert 205/50R15 Size in Inches (")

Section width

8.07" (≈ 8.1")

205 ÷ 25.4 = 8.07"

Sidewall height

4.04" (≈ 4.0")

(205 × 0.50) ÷ 25.4 = 4.04"

Rim diameter

15.00" (≈ 15.0")

15 = 15.00"

Overall diameter

23.07" (≈ 23.1")

[(2 × (205 × 0.50)) + (15 × 25.4)] ÷ 25.4 = 23.07"

Circumference

72.48" (≈ 72.5")

23.07 × 3.1416 = 72.48"

Radius

11.54" (≈ 11.5")

23.07 ÷ 2 = 11.54"

Best 205/50R15 Tire Sale

Product section
Title:
Subtitle:
Product Ids: 9269,14225,145043,228664,242094,13059

Comparison of 205/50R15 With Similar Tire Sizes

Compare 205/50R15 with other tire sizes, such as 195/50R15 and 225/50R15, to learn the key differences between them and make the right choice when buying new tires.

What Is The Difference Between 205/50R15 vs 195/50R15?

The main differences between 205/50R15 and 195/50R15 are that 205/50R15 is 0.39" (10 mm) wider than 195/50R15, which results in a 0.2" (5 mm) taller sidewall and a 0.39" (10 mm) larger overall diameter.

Measurement differences between 205/50R15 and 195/50R15 in inches and mm are shown in the below table: 

Tire dimensions

205/50R15 tires dimensions in millimeters (mm) and inches (")

195/50R15 tires dimensions in millimeters (mm) and inches (")

Difference b/w 205/50R15 and 195/50R15 in millimeters (mm) and inches (")

Percentage ≈ difference

Section Width

205 mm / 8.07" (≈ 8.1")

195 mm / 7.68" (≈ 7.7")

10 mm / 0.39" (≈ 0.4")

≈ 4.9%

Sidewall Height

102.50 mm (≈ 103 mm) / 4.04" (≈ 4.0")

97.50 mm (≈ 98 mm) / 3.84" (≈ 3.8")

5.00 mm (≈ 5 mm) / 0.20" (≈ 0.2")

≈ 4.9%

Overall Diameter

586 mm / 23.07" (≈ 23.1")

576 mm / 22.68" (≈ 22.7")

10 mm / 0.39" (≈ 0.4")

≈ 1.7%

Circumference

1840.98 mm (≈ 1841 mm) / 72.48" (≈ 72.5")

1809.56 mm (≈ 1810 mm) / 71.24" (≈ 71.2")

31.42 mm (≈ 31 mm) / 1.24" (≈ 1.2")

≈ 1.7%

Radius

293 mm / 11.54" (≈ 11.5")

288 mm / 11.34" (≈ 11.3")

5.00 mm (≈ 5 mm) / 0.20" (≈ 0.2")

≈ 1.7%

Rim Diameter

381 mm / 15.00" (≈ 15.0")

381 mm / 15.00" (≈ 15.0")

-

0.0%

Rim width range

6.0–7.5

5.5–7.0

-

-

Can I use 195/50R15 instead of 205/50R15?

Yes, you can safely use 195/50R15 instead of 205/50R15. The 1.7% diameter difference is well within safety tolerances, provided your wheels are between 5.5 and 7.0 inches wide. While you will have a slightly narrower tread and a minor speedometer error with the new 195/50R15, this swap is a common and functional adjustment.

Can I use 205/50R15 instead of 195/50R15?

Yes, moving from a 195/50R15 to a 205/50R15 is a common "plus-sizing" upgrade and a safe swap. It is generally recommended for drivers seeking more grip and a slightly more aggressive "filled-out" look in the wheel well. The overall diameter difference is well under the ±3% safety limit for vehicle electronics and odometer accuracy.

What Is The Difference Between 205/50R15 vs 225/50R15?

The main differences between 205/50R15 and 225/50R15 are that the 225/50R15 is 0.79" (20 mm) wider than the 205/50R15, which results in a 0.39" (10 mm) taller sidewall and a 0.79"(20 mm) larger overall diameter.

A 225/50R15 offers a significantly larger contact patch than a 205/50R15, providing increased traction and a noticeably softer ride due to the extra sidewall height.

Measurement differences between 205/50R15 and 225/50R15 in inches and mm are shown in the below table: 

Tire dimensions

205/50R15 tires dimensions in millimetre (mm) and inches (")

225/50R15 tires dimensions in millimetre (mm) and inches (")

Difference b/w 205/50R15 and 225/50R15 in millimetre (mm) and inches (")

Percentage ≈ difference

Section Width

205 mm (≈ 8.1")

225 mm (≈ 8.9")

-20 mm (≈ -0.8")

≈ -9.8%

Sidewall Height

102.50 mm (≈ 4.0")

112.50 mm (≈ 4.4")

-10.00 mm (≈ -0.4")

≈ -9.8%

Overall Diameter

586 mm (≈ 23.1")

606 mm (≈ 23.9")

-20 mm (≈ -0.8")

≈ -3.4%

Circumference

1840.98 mm (≈ 72.5")

1903.81 mm (≈ 75.0")

-62.83 mm (≈ -2.5")

≈ -3.4%

Radius

293 mm (≈ 11.5")

303 mm (≈ 11.9")

-10.00 mm (≈ -0.4")

≈ -3.4%

Rim Diameter

381 mm (≈ 15.0")

381 mm (≈ 15.0")

0

-

Rim width range

6.0–7.5

6.0–8.0

-

-

Can I use 225/50R15 instead of 205/50R15?

No, this upsizing swap is not recommended for standard vehicles. The 225/50R15 is 0.79" (20 mm) wider and 0.79" (20 mm)  taller than the 205/50R15, creating an overall diameter difference of 3.41%. Because this exceeds the industry-standard ±3% safety tolerance, the larger tire may interfere with ABS and traction control sensors, cause your speedometer to read 2 MPH slower than your actual speed at 60 MPH, and potentially rub against suspension components due to the extra width.

Can I use 205/50R15 instead of 225/50R15? 

No, this downsizing swap is not recommended as a direct replacement. Moving to the 205/50R15 from 225/50 reduces the section width by 0.79" (20 mm) and the overall diameter by 0.79" (20 mm) - a decrease that falls outside of safe operational limits. This reduction in size will drop your ground clearance by 0.4", cause the speedometer to read 2 MPH faster than your true speed, and may result in a lower Load Index, which could compromise the tire's ability to safely support your vehicle's weight under load.

Go to the All 15" Tire Sizes page. 

All You Need to Know About 205/50R15 Tires

205/50R15 on a tire means the tire features a 205 mm section width, a 50% aspect ratio, and a radial design built for 15-inch wheels. Before making a purchase, it is essential to convert 205/50R15 metric specs to inches and compare them against similar sizes like the 195/50R15 or 225/50R15. By evaluating these dimensions alongside top-rated tire reviews, drivers can ensure they select the most compatible and high-performing set for their specific vehicle.

What Are The Dimensions of 205/50R15 Tires in Inches?

The 205/50R15 tire has a section width of 8.07" (≈ 8.1"), a sidewall height of 4.04" (≈ 4.0"), a 15" wheel diameter, an overall diameter of 23.07" (≈ 23.1"), and a circumference of 72.48" (≈ 72.5"). 

The recommended rim width range for a 205/50R15 tire size is 6.0 - 7.5 inches.

In inches, the 205/50R15 tire size can be represented as 23.1" × 8.1" R15.

205/50R15 Tire Size Dimensions

205/50R15 Tire Size Dimensions in Inches (")

Formula to Convert 205/50R15 Size in Inches (")

Section width

8.07" (≈ 8.1")

205 ÷ 25.4 = 8.07"

Sidewall height

4.04" (≈ 4.0")

(205 × 0.50) ÷ 25.4 = 4.04"

Rim diameter

15.00" (≈ 15.0")

15 = 15.00"

Overall diameter

23.07" (≈ 23.1")

[(2 × (205 × 0.50)) + (15 × 25.4)] ÷ 25.4 = 23.07"

Circumference

72.48" (≈ 72.5")

23.07 × 3.1416 = 72.48"

Radius

11.54" (≈ 11.5")

23.07 ÷ 2 = 11.54"

Best 205/50R15 Tire Sale

Product section
Title:
Subtitle:
Product Ids: 9269,14225,145043,228664,242094,13059

Comparison of 205/50R15 With Similar Tire Sizes

Compare 205/50R15 with other tire sizes, such as 195/50R15 and 225/50R15, to learn the key differences between them and make the right choice when buying new tires.

What Is The Difference Between 205/50R15 vs 195/50R15?

The main differences between 205/50R15 and 195/50R15 are that 205/50R15 is 0.39" (10 mm) wider than 195/50R15, which results in a 0.2" (5 mm) taller sidewall and a 0.39" (10 mm) larger overall diameter.

Measurement differences between 205/50R15 and 195/50R15 in inches and mm are shown in the below table: 

Tire dimensions

205/50R15 tires dimensions in millimeters (mm) and inches (")

195/50R15 tires dimensions in millimeters (mm) and inches (")

Difference b/w 205/50R15 and 195/50R15 in millimeters (mm) and inches (")

Percentage ≈ difference

Section Width

205 mm / 8.07" (≈ 8.1")

195 mm / 7.68" (≈ 7.7")

10 mm / 0.39" (≈ 0.4")

≈ 4.9%

Sidewall Height

102.50 mm (≈ 103 mm) / 4.04" (≈ 4.0")

97.50 mm (≈ 98 mm) / 3.84" (≈ 3.8")

5.00 mm (≈ 5 mm) / 0.20" (≈ 0.2")

≈ 4.9%

Overall Diameter

586 mm / 23.07" (≈ 23.1")

576 mm / 22.68" (≈ 22.7")

10 mm / 0.39" (≈ 0.4")

≈ 1.7%

Circumference

1840.98 mm (≈ 1841 mm) / 72.48" (≈ 72.5")

1809.56 mm (≈ 1810 mm) / 71.24" (≈ 71.2")

31.42 mm (≈ 31 mm) / 1.24" (≈ 1.2")

≈ 1.7%

Radius

293 mm / 11.54" (≈ 11.5")

288 mm / 11.34" (≈ 11.3")

5.00 mm (≈ 5 mm) / 0.20" (≈ 0.2")

≈ 1.7%

Rim Diameter

381 mm / 15.00" (≈ 15.0")

381 mm / 15.00" (≈ 15.0")

-

0.0%

Rim width range

6.0–7.5

5.5–7.0

-

-

Can I use 195/50R15 instead of 205/50R15?

Yes, you can safely use 195/50R15 instead of 205/50R15. The 1.7% diameter difference is well within safety tolerances, provided your wheels are between 5.5 and 7.0 inches wide. While you will have a slightly narrower tread and a minor speedometer error with the new 195/50R15, this swap is a common and functional adjustment.

Can I use 205/50R15 instead of 195/50R15?

Yes, moving from a 195/50R15 to a 205/50R15 is a common "plus-sizing" upgrade and a safe swap. It is generally recommended for drivers seeking more grip and a slightly more aggressive "filled-out" look in the wheel well. The overall diameter difference is well under the ±3% safety limit for vehicle electronics and odometer accuracy.

What Is The Difference Between 205/50R15 vs 225/50R15?

The main differences between 205/50R15 and 225/50R15 are that the 225/50R15 is 0.79" (20 mm) wider than the 205/50R15, which results in a 0.39" (10 mm) taller sidewall and a 0.79"(20 mm) larger overall diameter.

A 225/50R15 offers a significantly larger contact patch than a 205/50R15, providing increased traction and a noticeably softer ride due to the extra sidewall height.

Measurement differences between 205/50R15 and 225/50R15 in inches and mm are shown in the below table: 

Tire dimensions

205/50R15 tires dimensions in millimetre (mm) and inches (")

225/50R15 tires dimensions in millimetre (mm) and inches (")

Difference b/w 205/50R15 and 225/50R15 in millimetre (mm) and inches (")

Percentage ≈ difference

Section Width

205 mm (≈ 8.1")

225 mm (≈ 8.9")

-20 mm (≈ -0.8")

≈ -9.8%

Sidewall Height

102.50 mm (≈ 4.0")

112.50 mm (≈ 4.4")

-10.00 mm (≈ -0.4")

≈ -9.8%

Overall Diameter

586 mm (≈ 23.1")

606 mm (≈ 23.9")

-20 mm (≈ -0.8")

≈ -3.4%

Circumference

1840.98 mm (≈ 72.5")

1903.81 mm (≈ 75.0")

-62.83 mm (≈ -2.5")

≈ -3.4%

Radius

293 mm (≈ 11.5")

303 mm (≈ 11.9")

-10.00 mm (≈ -0.4")

≈ -3.4%

Rim Diameter

381 mm (≈ 15.0")

381 mm (≈ 15.0")

0

-

Rim width range

6.0–7.5

6.0–8.0

-

-

Can I use 225/50R15 instead of 205/50R15?

No, this upsizing swap is not recommended for standard vehicles. The 225/50R15 is 0.79" (20 mm) wider and 0.79" (20 mm)  taller than the 205/50R15, creating an overall diameter difference of 3.41%. Because this exceeds the industry-standard ±3% safety tolerance, the larger tire may interfere with ABS and traction control sensors, cause your speedometer to read 2 MPH slower than your actual speed at 60 MPH, and potentially rub against suspension components due to the extra width.

Can I use 205/50R15 instead of 225/50R15? 

No, this downsizing swap is not recommended as a direct replacement. Moving to the 205/50R15 from 225/50 reduces the section width by 0.79" (20 mm) and the overall diameter by 0.79" (20 mm) - a decrease that falls outside of safe operational limits. This reduction in size will drop your ground clearance by 0.4", cause the speedometer to read 2 MPH faster than your true speed, and may result in a lower Load Index, which could compromise the tire's ability to safely support your vehicle's weight under load.

Go to the All 15" Tire Sizes page. 

FAQ

How Tall Is A 205/50R15 Tire?

What Car Uses a 205/50R15?

What Is The Price of a 205/50R15 Tire?

What Is The PSI For 205/50R15?

What Size Wheel Fits a 205/50R15?

Need live support?

  • Mon - Fri: 8am - 7pm ET
  • Sat: 9am - 5pm ET
  • Sun: Closed