CarSpecsHQ

215/50R18 vs 275/45R18

275/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/50R18: the diameter differs by +4.83%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
215/50R18 26.46" · 275/45R18 27.74" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/50R18275/45R18Difference
Overall diameter26.46"27.74"+1.28" (+4.83%)
Section width215 mm275 mm+60 mm
Sidewall4.23"4.87"+0.64"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference83.1"87.2"+4.0"
Revs per mile762727-35
Ride height——+0.64"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.9+2.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.9 mph

With 275/45R18 on a car calibrated for 215/50R18, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.8%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph62.9 mph
70 mph73.4 mph
80 mph83.9 mph

Other sizes close to 215/50R18

Questions

Can I replace 215/50R18 with 275/45R18?

275/45R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/50R18: the diameter differs by +4.83%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/50R18 and 275/45R18?

275/45R18 is 1.28" taller and 60 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.64". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.9 mph.

Will 275/45R18 fit on 215/50R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 275 mm tire and the fender clearance.