CarSpecsHQ

225/45R18 vs 235/50R18

235/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/45R18: the diameter differs by +4.93%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
225/45R18 25.97" · 235/50R18 27.25" · drawn to scale

Side by side

225/45R18235/50R18Difference
Overall diameter25.97"27.25"+1.28" (+4.93%)
Section width225 mm235 mm+10 mm
Sidewall3.99"4.63"+0.64"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference81.6"85.6"+4.0"
Revs per mile777740-36
Ride height——+0.64"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 235/50R18 on a car calibrated for 225/45R18, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.4 mph
80 mph83.9 mph

Other sizes close to 225/45R18

Questions

Can I replace 225/45R18 with 235/50R18?

235/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/45R18: the diameter differs by +4.93%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 225/45R18 and 235/50R18?

235/50R18 is 1.28" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.64". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 235/50R18 fit on 225/45R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 235 mm tire and the fender clearance.