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Tire Size Comparison

225/40R18 vs 205/50R17

Switching from 225/40R18 to 205/50R17 changes overall diameter by -0.06% (25.09 in → 25.07 in).

-0.06%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 225/40R18, fitting 205/50R17 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h40.0 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h60.0 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.9 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h99.9 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h119.9 km/h75 mph75 mph

Full comparison

225/40R18
Overall diameter637.2 mm · 25.09 in
Section width225 mm · 8.86 in
Sidewall height90.0 mm · 3.54 in
Circumference2001.8 mm · 78.8 in
Revolutions per mile804
Revolutions per km500
205/50R17
Overall diameter636.8 mm · 25.07 in
Section width205 mm · 8.07 in
Sidewall height102.5 mm · 4.04 in
Circumference2000.6 mm · 78.8 in
Revolutions per mile804
Revolutions per km500
Original tire
New tire
-0.06%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
25.125.1
Original
Overall diameter637.2 mm · 25.09 in
Sidewall height90 mm
Circumference2,001.8 mm
Revolutions / mile803.9
New
Overall diameter636.8 mm · 25.07 in
Sidewall height102.5 mm
Circumference2,000.6 mm
Revolutions / mile804.4
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -0.06%. With a speedometer calibrated to the original tire, that same percentage is how far the speedometer and odometer read off — a taller tire means your true speed is higher than indicated and the odometer under-counts distance.

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h40 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h60 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.9 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h99.9 km/h62 mph62 mph
120 km/h119.9 km/h75 mph75 mph

See individual specs: 225/40R18 · 205/50R17. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.