215/50R18 vs 255/45R18
255/45R18 is taller than 215/50R18 by 2.16% — a diameter difference of 0.58″.
What changes between 215/50R18 and 255/45R18
Switching from 215/50R18 to 255/45R18 changes overall diameter by +2.16%, a taller tire by 0.58 inches. This lands inside the ±3% fitment safe zone, so most vehicles will accept the swap without rubbing, speedometer recalibration, or ABS/TPMS complications. Section width moves by +1.58″ (215mm → 255mm), which affects contact patch and fender-well clearance. Sidewall height shifts by +0.29″: a taller sidewall softens ride quality and adds off-road bump protection, with some loss of steering crispness. Revs per mile moves by -16, which translates directly to speedometer error — at an indicated 65 mph, actual speed becomes 66.4 mph. Both sizes share the same 18″ rim, so no wheel change is required — this is a pure tire-only swap.
| Spec | 215/50R18 | 255/45R18 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 26.46″ | 27.04″ |
| Section width | 8.46″ (215 mm) | 10.04″ (255 mm) |
| Sidewall height | 4.23″ (50%) | 4.52″ (45%) |
| Rim diameter | 18″ | 18″ |
| Circumference | 83.14″ | 84.93″ |
| Revs per mile | 762 | 746 |
Interactive comparison
275/65R18 or "33" for inch aliases215/50R18
- Diameter
- 26.46″ / 672.2mm
- Section Width
- 8.46″
- Sidewall
- 4.23″ / 107.5mm
- Circumference
- 83.14″
- Revs/Mile
- 762
255/45R18
- Diameter
- 27.04″ / 686.7mm
- Section Width
- 10.04″
- Sidewall
- 4.52″ / 114.75mm
- Circumference
- 84.93″
- Revs/Mile
- 746
Speedometer & Diameter Impact
Wider tire — verify wheel widthAt an indicated 60 mph, your actual speed is 61.29 mph (98.64 km/h). Your speedometer reads 2.16% low versus actual speed.