235/50R18 vs 225/60R18
New overall diameter
28.63″
was 27.25″
True speed at an indicated 60
63.0 mph
speedometer reads low
Revolutions per mile
704
was 740 · −36
Switching from 235/50R18 to 225/60R18? Everything that changes is below — sidewall, tread width, circumference, revolutions per mile and speedometer error at road speeds.
| Measurement | 235/50R18 | 225/60R18 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 27.25″ | 28.63″ | +1.38″ (+5.1%) |
| Sidewall height | 4.63″ (117.5 mm) | 5.31″ (135.0 mm) | +17.5 mm |
| Tread width | 235 mm | 225 mm | −10 mm |
| Circumference | 85.61″ | 89.94″ | +4.33″ |
| Revs per mile | 740 | 704 | −36 |
| Speedometer error | baseline | +5.1% | reads low |
Diameter overlay
235/50R18 225/60R18
Speedometer check
With 225/60R18 fitted, when the speedometer shows the indicated speed, your actual speed is:
25 mph shown
26.3 mph actual
35 mph shown
36.8 mph actual
45 mph shown
47.3 mph actual
55 mph shown
57.8 mph actual
65 mph shown
68.3 mph actual
75 mph shown
78.8 mph actual
Common questions
- Will 225/60R18 fit instead of 235/50R18?
- Not recommended. A 5.1% diameter change exceeds the 5% rule. Expect significant speedometer error, potential clearance and rubbing issues, and stress on ABS, stability control and drivetrain components. Your speedometer will read lower than your true speed. Overall diameter goes from 27.25″ to 28.63″, a change of +5.1%. As a rule of thumb, under 3% is safe, 3–5% needs a clearance check, and over 5% is not recommended.
- How far off will my speedometer read on 225/60R18?
- At an indicated 60 mph you would actually be travelling about 63.0 mph — a +5.1% error. The speedometer reads low, so you are going faster than it shows.
- What is the difference in revolutions per mile between 235/50R18 and 225/60R18?
- 235/50R18 turns roughly 740 revolutions per mile; 225/60R18 turns roughly 704. That is a change of −36 revolutions per mile, which is what shifts odometer and speedometer readings.