CarSpecsHQ

215/50R18 vs 295/40R18

295/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/50R18: the diameter differs by +3.12%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
215/50R18 26.46" · 295/40R18 27.29" · drawn to scale

Side by side

215/50R18295/40R18Difference
Overall diameter26.46"27.29"+0.83" (+3.12%)
Section width215 mm295 mm+80 mm
Sidewall4.23"4.65"+0.41"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference83.1"85.7"+2.6"
Revs per mile762739-23
Ride height——+0.41"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.9+1.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.9 mph

With 295/40R18 on a car calibrated for 215/50R18, the speedometer reads 58.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.9 mph
45 mph46.4 mph
60 mph61.9 mph
70 mph72.2 mph
80 mph82.5 mph

Other sizes close to 215/50R18

Questions

Can I replace 215/50R18 with 295/40R18?

295/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 215/50R18: the diameter differs by +3.12%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 215/50R18 and 295/40R18?

295/40R18 is 0.83" taller and 80 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.41". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.9 mph.

Will 295/40R18 fit on 215/50R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 295 mm tire and the fender clearance.