215/50 R17 Tyre Size — Meaning, Fitment & Alternatives
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What 215/50 R17 means
215/50 R17 is a 215 mm wide tyre with a sidewall 50% of that width (108 mm), on a 17-inch rim. Overall diameter works out at about 647 mm (25.5 in). It typically fits family hatchbacks, saloons and estates in the Golf, Focus and Octavia class.
UK: check prices for 215/50 R17 tyres at Tirendo US: check 215/50 R17 prices at WheelHero
215/50 R17 broken down
| Code part | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 215 | Section width in millimetres, sidewall to sidewall |
| Profile (aspect ratio) | 50 | Sidewall height as a percentage of width — 108 mm here |
| R | Radial | Radial construction (standard on modern car tyres) |
| Rim | 17 | Wheel diameter in inches (432 mm) |
Computed dimensions
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 647 mm (25.5 in) |
| Circumference | 2032 mm (80.0 in) |
| Sidewall height | 108 mm |
| Revolutions per mile | ≈ 792 |
| Revolutions per km | ≈ 492 |
These are computed reference values from the size code arithmetic — actual measurements vary slightly by brand and model. Working in different units? Convert mm to inches with the unit converters at 247QuickTools.
Tyre Owner Essentials
Typical vehicles
A mainstream car fitment. Expect wide availability across budget, mid-range and premium brands, with the sweet spot on price usually in the mid-range. To confirm the exact original-equipment sizes for your car, look up your car's full specs, including OE tyre sizes, at 247VehicleCheck.
Checking your current tread? Owners often keep a tread depth gauge in the glovebox — UK legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
Speed and load ratings commonly sold in 215/50 R17
This size is most commonly sold in H (130 mph) and V (149 mph) speed ratings, with T (118 mph) versions on economy models. See the full speed rating table and load index table for what each code is rated to.
Alternative & equivalent sizes (±3% diameter)
Sizes within ±3% of this tyre's 647 mm overall diameter keep your speedometer and gearing close to accurate. Always check clearance, rim width compatibility and load rating before switching, and never mix constructions across an axle.
| Alternative size | Overall diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 235/35 R19 | 647 mm | +0.0% |
| 205/65 R15 | 648 mm | +0.1% |
| 275/30 R19 | 648 mm | +0.1% |
| 235/40 R18 | 645 mm | -0.2% |
| 235/30 R20 | 649 mm | +0.3% |
| 275/35 R18 | 650 mm | +0.4% |
| 235/45 R17 | 643 mm | -0.5% |
| 205/70 R14 | 643 mm | -0.6% |
| 215/45 R18 | 651 mm | +0.6% |
| 215/55 R16 | 643 mm | -0.6% |
Tyre pressure for 215/50 R17
Correct pressure depends on your vehicle and load, not on the tyre size alone — always follow the placard inside the driver's door or the handbook. Typical car pressures fall between 30 and 36 psi. For psi-to-bar maths, the calculators at 247Calculators can help. A monthly check with an accurate gauge catches slow leaks before they wear the shoulders.
Recommended Accessories
FAQ
What does 215/50 R17 mean?
215/50 R17 means the tyre is 215 mm wide, its sidewall is 50% of that width (108 mm), and it fits a 17-inch wheel. The R stands for radial construction.
What is the overall diameter of a 215/50 R17 tyre?
About 647 mm (25.5 inches), computed from the size code: 17-inch rim plus two sidewalls of 108 mm. Actual measurements vary slightly by brand.
Can I fit a different size instead of 215/50 R17?
Only if the alternative stays within about ±3%% of the original overall diameter, fits your rim width, clears the bodywork and meets the placard's load and speed ratings. When in doubt, keep the placard size.
What pressure should 215/50 R17 tyres run at?
Pressure is set by the vehicle, not the tyre size — check the placard inside the driver's door or your handbook. Typical car values fall between 30 and 36 psi.
Related pages on this site
Last updated:
Data: computed reference values (ETRTO tyre-size arithmetic), build date 22 July 2026. Reference only — always follow your vehicle manufacturer's placard or handbook.