255/50R17 Tire Size

All You Need to Know About 255/50R17 Tires

255/50R17 tires are 255 mm wide, with a 50% aspect ratio and a 17-inch wheel diameter, producing an overall diameter of about 27.0 inches and a sidewall height of 5.02 inches.

The 255/50R17 size moves into a taller profile range within the 17-inch category, where increased sidewall height contributes to improved ride isolation, greater vertical compliance, and more stable load distribution compared to lower-profile alternatives.

Compared to a shorter configuration such as 255/45R17, the 255/50R17 adds both sidewall height and overall diameter. That increase raises the vehicle slightly and reduces revolutions per mile, which affects speedometer calibration and gearing response.

255/50R17 Size Quick Specs

• Approved rim width range: 7.0–9.0"
• Measuring rim width: 8.0"
• Width: 255 mm
• Sidewall height: 127.50 mm
• Overall height: 27.0"
• Wheel diameter: 17 in

Note: The calculated overall diameter of 255/50R17 is ≈27.0 inches. A small variation may occur (+/-1%) depending on tread depth and casing construction rather than the nominal size itself. Mounting 255/50R17 within the approved 7.0–9.0" rim width range can slightly influence section profile and tread shape without changing the overall diameter. Learn more about Rim Width Ranges and Limits.

255/50R17 Common Vehicle Fitment

255/50R17 is typically associated with larger sedans, touring-oriented vehicles, and certain performance models where additional sidewall height is used to balance ride comfort with stability. In the U.S. market, it appears on specific trims rather than across entire model ranges.

• Aston Martin: V8 Vantage (1977-1990), V8 Zagato (1986-1989), DBS (1969-1972).
• Volvo: XC70 (2001-2007).
• Lexus LS (earlier generations, selected trims)
• Cadillac Seville / DeVille (performance-oriented variants)
• Chevrolet Impala: 1994–1996.
• Audi: A8 (2003-2009), Q3 (2014-2015).

Because 255/50R17 size introduces a taller overall diameter than many standard 17-inch fitments, installation should be evaluated for available clearance and system tolerance, particularly when used as a replacement rather than an original specification.

255/50R17 Dimensions in Inches

The 255/50R17 tire size is about 10.0 inches wide, 27.04 inches tall, and has a sidewall height of approximately 5.02 inches.

With just over 5 inches of sidewall, the 255/50R17 size allows more vertical deflection under load compared to 40- and 45-series alternatives. That added height improves impact absorption and ride smoothness, while also introducing slightly more sidewall movement during cornering.

255/50R17 in Inches: All Measurements

• Total height: ≈27.0"
• Width: 10.04"
• Sidewall height: 5.02"
• Wheel diameter: 17"
• Circumference: ≈84.93"

Most Recommended 255/50R17 Tires

Best tires in 255/50R17 size include:

• Summer tires 255/50R17: Nitto NT555 G2
• 255/50R17 all-season touring tires: Hankook Ventus ST RH06
• 255/50R17 set of 4 (value-focused options): Nitto NT555 G2

Comparison of 255/50R17 With Similar Tire Sizes

255/50R17 is most commonly cross-referenced against 255/45R17 for a lower-profile alternative and 265/50R17 for added width - one pairing tests the ±3% boundary, the other stays well within it.

255/50R17 vs 255/45R17

The 255/45R17 holds the same 255mm width as the 255/50R17, but sits measurably shorter:

• Width: identical at 255 mm
• Overall diameter: 255/50R17 is ≈1.00 inch (≈3.8%) larger than 255/45R17

That gap pushes just past the ±3% threshold, making 255/50R17 and 255/45R17 sizes incompatible as direct replacements. The height difference has practical consequences - 255/50R17 raises ride position, reduces rotational frequency, and adds sidewall compliance, while 255/45R17 maintains a lower stance with less flex under cornering load.

255/50R17 vs 265/50R17

The 265/50R17 steps up in width compared to 255/50R17, while holding closely to the diameter:

• Width: 265/50R17 is 10 mm wider
• Overall diameter: 265/50R17 is ≈0.39 inches (≈1.4%) larger than 255/50R17

The diameter gap between 265/50R17 and 255/50R17 sits well within the ±3% range, so drivetrain calibration and speedometer accuracy are largely unaffected. The meaningful change is section width - 10 mm of added contact increases lateral grip potential, but also narrows available clearance within the wheel well and requires confirmation that the wider tire falls within the approved rim width range for the application.

Before switching from or to 255/50R17 tires, it is recommended to understand how the 3% rule works in practice and what additional criteria should be checked when changing tire size.