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Tire Size Comparison

255/55R18 vs 265/50R19

Switching from 255/55R18 to 265/50R19 changes overall diameter by +1.34% (29.04 in → 29.43 in).

+1.34%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 255/55R18, fitting 265/50R19 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h40.5 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h60.8 km/h37 mph38 mph
80 km/h81.1 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h101.3 km/h62 mph63 mph
120 km/h121.6 km/h75 mph76 mph

Full comparison

255/55R18
Overall diameter737.7 mm · 29.04 in
Section width255 mm · 10.04 in
Sidewall height140.3 mm · 5.52 in
Circumference2317.6 mm · 91.2 in
Revolutions per mile694
Revolutions per km431
265/50R19
Overall diameter747.6 mm · 29.43 in
Section width265 mm · 10.43 in
Sidewall height132.5 mm · 5.22 in
Circumference2348.7 mm · 92.5 in
Revolutions per mile685
Revolutions per km426
Original tire
New tire
+1.34%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
2929.4
Original
Overall diameter737.7 mm · 29.04 in
Sidewall height140.3 mm
Circumference2,317.6 mm
Revolutions / mile694.4
New
Overall diameter747.6 mm · 29.43 in
Sidewall height132.5 mm
Circumference2,348.7 mm
Revolutions / mile685.2
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by +1.34%. 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/h40.5 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h60.8 km/h37 mph38 mph
80 km/h81.1 km/h50 mph50 mph
100 km/h101.3 km/h62 mph63 mph
120 km/h121.6 km/h75 mph76 mph

See individual specs: 255/55R18 · 265/50R19. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.