30×9.50r15 in Metric
Finding the right tire for your vehicle can feel overwhelming, especially with the mix of imperial and metric measurements. But getting it right is crucial for your vehicle’s performance and safety.
For the imperial tire size 30×9.50R15, the closest metric equivalent is 235/80R15. We’ll explain how we determined this equivalent, discuss possible alternatives, and provide our expert observations to help you make the best choice for your vehicle.
Understanding Tire Size
The imperial tire size notation 30×9.50R15 can seem complex at first, but breaking it down helps to understand what each component means:
- Overall Diameter: The first number (30) represents the tire’s overall diameter in inches.
- Tire Width: The second number (9.50) is the width of the tire, also measured in inches.
- Construction Type: The letter R indicates a radial construction, which is the most common type for modern vehicles.
- Rim Diameter: The last number (15) represents the rim diameter in inches, which is the wheel size that the tire will fit.
By understanding these components, you can easily interpret any imperial tire size, which makes finding a suitable equivalent easier.
Closest Metric Equivalent
To determine the closest metric equivalent to 30×9.50R15, it’s essential to consider key aspects like the overall diameter, width, and aspect ratio.
- Width Conversion: The imperial width of 9.50 inches converts to roughly 241 mm. The metric size 235/80R15 has a width of 235 mm, which is a close match to the original tire width.
- Aspect Ratio and Overall Diameter: The aspect ratio of 80% in 235/80R15 results in an overall diameter of 29.8 inches, which is just 0.2 inches smaller than the 30-inch diameter of the original tire. This small difference in overall diameter ensures that the new tire will perform similarly without significantly affecting speedometer readings, ground clearance, or handling.
The 235/80R15 tire is thus a near-perfect match in terms of key dimensions, ensuring that vehicle performance, safety, and aesthetics are maintained.
Alternatives to This Size
While 235/80R15 is the closest metric equivalent, there are other sizes that could work as well. Below is a list of alternative metric sizes that come close to the original 30×9.50R15:
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 295/60R15 | 28.9″ (735 mm) | -1.9% |
| 225/80R15 | 29.2″ (741 mm) | -1.1% |
| 215/85R15 | 29.4″ (747 mm) | -0.3% |
| 205/90R15 | 29.6″ (751 mm) | 0.3% |
| 265/70R15 | 29.6″ (753 mm) | 0.5% |
| 315/60R15 | 29.9″ (759 mm) | 1.3% |
| 255/75R15 | 30″ (763 mm) | 1.9% |
Each of these sizes offers slightly different performance characteristics, and they could be suitable depending on your needs:
- 225/80R15: A narrower option that may be preferable for reducing rolling resistance and improving fuel efficiency.
- 265/70R15: A slightly wider alternative that could enhance traction, especially in off-road conditions.
- 255/75R15: Maintains the 30-inch overall diameter, ensuring compatibility with the original size without affecting ride height.
Selecting an alternative size may be influenced by factors like terrain, driving style, and the specific requirements of your vehicle.
30×9.50R15 Equivalent
The closest metric equivalent to the 30×9.50R15 tire is 235/80R15. This size closely matches the original tire’s width and overall diameter, ensuring similar performance and handling characteristics.
How Tall is a 30×9.50R15 Tire?
The 30×9.50R15 tire has an overall diameter of 30 inches. This measurement represents the height of the tire from the ground to the top of the tire when mounted and inflated.
How Wide is a 30×9.50R15 Tire?
The 30×9.50R15 tire has a width of 9.50 inches. This width is measured from sidewall to sidewall when the tire is properly mounted on the appropriate rim.
What Size Rim Fits a 30×9.50R15?
The 30×9.50R15 tire is designed to fit a 15-inch rim. This means that the wheel diameter must be 15 inches to accommodate this tire size.
Our Observations
After careful consideration, the 235/80R15 stands out as the optimal metric equivalent to the 30×9.50R15. This size offers a very close match in terms of overall diameter and width, ensuring that the vehicle’s dynamics, speedometer accuracy, and overall handling characteristics remain largely unchanged.
The 235/80R15 also provides a slight reduction in tire width compared to some wider options, which can minimize the risk of rubbing against wheel wells or suspension components.
However, it is important to remember that slight variations in tire size can have small effects on handling and ride comfort, depending on the type of vehicle and driving conditions. Consulting with a tire professional before making a final choice is always advisable.
Caitlin McCormack is a lead writer at Tiresizecompare.com and a trusted guide at AmarCalculator. With an extensive background in finance and mathematics, she simplifies complex calculations and delivers precise insights. Caitlin’s expertise ensures readers receive accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions. Her passion for numbers and dedication to clarity make her an invaluable resource for tire comparisons.
