CarSpecsHQ

275/35R18 vs 225/50R18

225/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/35R18: the diameter differs by +5.00%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
275/35R18 25.58" · 225/50R18 26.86" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/35R18225/50R18Difference
Overall diameter25.58"26.86"+1.28" (+5.00%)
Section width275 mm225 mm-50 mm
Sidewall3.79"4.43"+0.64"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference80.4"84.4"+4.0"
Revs per mile788751-38
Ride height——+0.64"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 225/50R18 on a car calibrated for 275/35R18, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.0%.

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 275/35R18

Questions

Can I replace 275/35R18 with 225/50R18?

225/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/35R18: the diameter differs by +5.00%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 275/35R18 and 225/50R18?

225/50R18 is 1.28" taller and 50 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.64". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 225/50R18 fit on 275/35R18 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.