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Tire Size Comparison

235/50R18 vs 235/55R18

Switching from 235/50R18 to 235/55R18 changes overall diameter by +3.39% (27.25 in → 28.18 in).

+3.39%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 235/50R18, fitting 235/55R18 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h41.4 km/h25 mph26 mph
60 km/h62.0 km/h37 mph39 mph
80 km/h82.7 km/h50 mph51 mph
100 km/h103.4 km/h62 mph64 mph
120 km/h124.1 km/h75 mph77 mph

Full comparison

235/50R18
Overall diameter692.2 mm · 27.25 in
Section width235 mm · 9.25 in
Sidewall height117.5 mm · 4.63 in
Circumference2174.6 mm · 85.6 in
Revolutions per mile740
Revolutions per km460
235/55R18
Overall diameter715.7 mm · 28.18 in
Section width235 mm · 9.25 in
Sidewall height129.3 mm · 5.09 in
Circumference2248.4 mm · 88.5 in
Revolutions per mile716
Revolutions per km445
Original tire
New tire
+3.39%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error
27.328.2
Original
Overall diameter692.2 mm · 27.25 in
Sidewall height117.5 mm
Circumference2,174.6 mm
Revolutions / mile740.1
New
Overall diameter715.7 mm · 28.18 in
Sidewall height129.3 mm
Circumference2,248.4 mm
Revolutions / mile715.8
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by +3.39%. 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/h41.4 km/h25 mph26 mph
60 km/h62 km/h37 mph39 mph
80 km/h82.7 km/h50 mph51 mph
100 km/h103.4 km/h62 mph64 mph
120 km/h124.1 km/h75 mph77 mph

See individual specs: 235/50R18 · 235/55R18. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.