How tall is a 278/50R15 tire?

A 278/50R15 has a nominal overall diameter of 25.94 inches (659 mm), calculated as the 15-inch wheel plus two sidewalls. This is the unloaded figure — a fitted tire sits fractionally shorter under the weight of the vehicle.

What wheel size does a 278/50R15 tire fit?

A 278/50R15 fits a wheel of 15 inches in diameter. The wheel also has to be within the rim width range the manufacturer publishes for this size, which is printed in the tire's spec sheet.

What do the numbers in 278/50R15 mean?

278 is the section width in millimetres. 50 is the aspect ratio — the sidewall is 50% of the width, so 139 mm here. R marks the construction (radial). 15 is the wheel diameter in inches.

Size Dimensions & Specs

Tires Size 278/50R15

Dimensions, specs, and every size 278/50R15 tire currently in stock

Overall Height

25.94"

659 mm · calculated

Section Width

278 mm

10.94 inches

Sidewall Height

5.47"

139 mm · 50% profile

Wheel Diameter

15"

381.0 mm

278/50R15 Specifications

Read directly from the size code. Load index, speed rating, and rim width range vary by model.

Specification	Imperial	Metric
Section width	10.94 in	278 mm
Aspect ratio	50%	—
Sidewall height	5.47 in	139 mm
Overall diameter (calculated)	25.94 in	659 mm
Wheel / rim diameter	15 in	381.0 mm
Construction	Radial	—

What does 278/50R15 mean?

Reading the code on your sidewall

Section width

278 mm

The distance from sidewall to sidewall across the tire's widest point.

Aspect ratio

50% profile

The sidewall stands 50% of the section width, which is 139 mm on this size.

Construction (R)

Radial

The body plies run across the tire at right angles to the direction of travel.

Wheel diameter

15 in

Fits a wheel measuring 15 inches across.

278/50R15 Questions & Answers

Dimensions and fitment guidelines for size 278/50R15

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