GarageCalc What 195/50R16 means
195 is the section width in millimeters (7.7 in). 50 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 50 percent of the width, so 195 × 0.50 = 98 mm (3.8 in). R is radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches (406 mm). Stack two sidewalls on the wheel and you get the overall diameter: 406 + 2 × 98 = 601 mm, or 23.7 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 195/50R16 91V. Those two codes set how much weight and speed the tire is certified for; look them up in the load index chart and the speed rating chart.
Plus and minus sizing from 195/50R16
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 215/40R17 at +0.4% diameter with a 86 mm sidewall instead of 98 mm. Going down one size, 185/60R15 is +0.3% with a taller 111 mm sidewall for more comfort and pothole margin. Anything inside 3 percent keeps the speedometer, ABS and gearing effectively stock; the comparison calculator shows the full speedometer table for any pair.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a 195/50R16 tire?
23.7 inches (601 mm) in overall diameter: the 16-inch wheel (406 mm) plus two 98 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 195/50R16 in inches?
23.7 x 7.7 R16: 23.7 inches tall, 7.7 inches wide, on a 16-inch wheel. The sidewall is 3.8 inches and the circumference is 74.4 inches, so the tire turns 852 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 195/50R16?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 16-inch wheel: 185/55R16 (+1.4%), 185/50R16 (-1.7%), 205/50R16 (+1.7%); on a 17-inch wheel: 215/40R17 (+0.4%), 205/40R17 (-0.9%); on a 15-inch wheel: 185/60R15 (+0.3%), 205/55R15 (+0.8%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 205/50R16 instead of 195/50R16?
Dimensionally yes: 205/50R16 is 1.7% taller (+10 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 59.0 mph. The extra width needs about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 205 mm.