What is the diameter difference between 215/40R18 and 235/40R18?

215/40R18 has an overall diameter of 24.77 inches (629 mm). 235/40R18 is 25.4 inches (645 mm). That's a 0.63 inch (16 mm) difference — 235/40R18 is taller.

Will 235/40R18 cause speedometer error on a car fitted with 215/40R18?

Swapping 215/40R18 for 235/40R18 produces a speedometer error of about 2.5%. Your speedometer will read lower than your actual speed — a 60 mph indicated reading is really 61.5 mph. Anything under 3% is usually acceptable without recalibration.

How many revolutions per mile does each size do?

215/40R18 turns 814 revs per mile. 235/40R18 turns 794 revs per mile. Taller tyres turn fewer times per mile, which lowers effective final-drive ratio.

What's the sidewall height difference?

215/40R18 has a sidewall of 86 mm (3.39 in). 235/40R18 sidewall is 94 mm (3.7 in). Lower-profile sidewalls give sharper steering response but less bump compliance.

Is 235/40R18 a safe plus-size upgrade from 215/40R18?

A plus-size upgrade is considered safe when overall diameter stays within ±3% — here the difference is 2.5%. This swap is within the typical safe range; speedometer and ABS calibration should remain close to factory.

Tire size comparison

215/40R18 vs 235/40R18

Overall diameter, sidewall, revs per mile, and speedometer error — 235/40R18 is the taller tire, with a 2.5% speedo delta when swapping.

215/40R18

24.77in

629 mm overall diameter

235/40R18

25.4in

645 mm overall diameter

Diameter Δ

0.63 in

Speedo error

2.5%

215/40R18 revs/mi

814

235/40R18 revs/mi

794

Within the ±3% overall-diameter band usually considered safe for plus-sizing — speedometer and ABS calibration should stay close to factory.

Full spec

Side by side

Metric	215/40R18	235/40R18
Section width	215 mm	235 mm
Aspect ratio	40	40
Wheel diameter	18″	18″
Sidewall height	86 mm	94 mm
Overall diameter	24.77 in (629 mm)	25.4 in (645 mm)
Circumference	77.82 in	79.8 in
Revolutions / mile	814	794

Other comparisons for these sizes

225/45R17 vs 235/40R18 235/45R17 vs 235/40R18 215/40R18 vs 225/35R19 215/40R18 vs 225/40R18 225/40R18 vs 235/40R18 225/45R18 vs 235/40R18 235/40R18 vs 245/35R19 235/40R18 vs 235/35R19 235/40R18 vs 255/30R20 235/40R18 vs 245/40R18

FAQ

Frequently asked

What is the diameter difference between 215/40R18 and 235/40R18?: 215/40R18 has an overall diameter of 24.77 inches (629 mm). 235/40R18 is 25.4 inches (645 mm). That's a 0.63 inch (16 mm) difference — 235/40R18 is taller.
Will 235/40R18 cause speedometer error on a car fitted with 215/40R18?: Swapping 215/40R18 for 235/40R18 produces a speedometer error of about 2.5%. Your speedometer will read lower than your actual speed — a 60 mph indicated reading is really 61.5 mph. Anything under 3% is usually acceptable without recalibration.
How many revolutions per mile does each size do?: 215/40R18 turns 814 revs per mile. 235/40R18 turns 794 revs per mile. Taller tyres turn fewer times per mile, which lowers effective final-drive ratio.
What's the sidewall height difference?: 215/40R18 has a sidewall of 86 mm (3.39 in). 235/40R18 sidewall is 94 mm (3.7 in). Lower-profile sidewalls give sharper steering response but less bump compliance.
Is 235/40R18 a safe plus-size upgrade from 215/40R18?: A plus-size upgrade is considered safe when overall diameter stays within ±3% — here the difference is 2.5%. This swap is within the typical safe range; speedometer and ABS calibration should remain close to factory.