CarSpecsHQ

245/50R18 vs 245/55R18

245/55R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/50R18: the diameter differs by +3.49%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
245/50R18 27.65" · 245/55R18 28.61" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/50R18245/55R18Difference
Overall diameter27.65"28.61"+0.96" (+3.49%)
Section width245 mm245 mm0 mm
Sidewall4.82"5.31"+0.48"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference86.9"89.9"+3.0"
Revs per mile730705-25
Ride height——+0.48"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 245/55R18 on a car calibrated for 245/50R18, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.8 mph

Other sizes close to 245/50R18

Questions

Can I replace 245/50R18 with 245/55R18?

245/55R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/50R18: the diameter differs by +3.49%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 245/50R18 and 245/55R18?

245/55R18 is 0.96" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.48". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.1 mph.

Will 245/55R18 fit on 245/50R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 245 mm tire and the fender clearance.