CarSpecsHQ

315/30R18 vs 215/50R18

215/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 315/30R18: the diameter differs by +4.02%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
315/30R18 25.44" · 215/50R18 26.46" · drawn to scale

Side by side

315/30R18215/50R18Difference
Overall diameter25.44"26.46"+1.02" (+4.02%)
Section width315 mm215 mm-100 mm
Sidewall3.72"4.23"+0.51"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference79.9"83.1"+3.2"
Revs per mile793762-31
Ride height——+0.51"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.4+2.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.4 mph

With 215/50R18 on a car calibrated for 315/30R18, the speedometer reads 57.7 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.8 mph
60 mph62.4 mph
70 mph72.8 mph
80 mph83.2 mph

Other sizes close to 315/30R18

Questions

Can I replace 315/30R18 with 215/50R18?

215/50R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 315/30R18: the diameter differs by +4.02%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 315/30R18 and 215/50R18?

215/50R18 is 1.02" taller and 100 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.51". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.4 mph.

Will 215/50R18 fit on 315/30R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 215 mm tire and the fender clearance.