CarSpecsHQ

235/50R18 vs 225/60R18

225/60R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/50R18: the diameter differs by +5.06%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
235/50R18 27.25" · 225/60R18 28.63" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/50R18225/60R18Difference
Overall diameter27.25"28.63"+1.38" (+5.06%)
Section width235 mm225 mm-10 mm
Sidewall4.63"5.31"+0.69"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference85.6"89.9"+4.3"
Revs per mile740704-36
Ride height——+0.69"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 225/60R18 on a car calibrated for 235/50R18, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.5 mph
80 mph84.0 mph

Other sizes close to 235/50R18

Questions

Can I replace 235/50R18 with 225/60R18?

225/60R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/50R18: the diameter differs by +5.06%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 235/50R18 and 225/60R18?

225/60R18 is 1.38" taller and 10 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.69". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 225/60R18 fit on 235/50R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 225 mm tire and the fender clearance.