CarSpecsHQ

245/40R18 vs 225/50R18

225/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.44%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
245/40R18 25.72" · 225/50R18 26.86" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/40R18225/50R18Difference
Overall diameter25.72"26.86"+1.14" (+4.44%)
Section width245 mm225 mm-20 mm
Sidewall3.86"4.43"+0.57"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference80.8"84.4"+3.6"
Revs per mile784751-33
Ride height——+0.57"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.7+2.7 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.7 mph

With 225/50R18 on a car calibrated for 245/40R18, the speedometer reads 57.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph47.0 mph
60 mph62.7 mph
70 mph73.1 mph
80 mph83.6 mph

Other sizes close to 245/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 245/40R18 with 225/50R18?

225/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/40R18: the diameter differs by +4.44%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 245/40R18 and 225/50R18?

225/50R18 is 1.14" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.57". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.7 mph.

Will 225/50R18 fit on 245/40R18 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.