What is the diameter difference between 235/45R18 and 255/45R18?

235/45R18 has an overall diameter of 26.33 inches (669 mm). 255/45R18 is 27.04 inches (687 mm). That's a 0.71 inch (18 mm) difference — 255/45R18 is taller.

Will 255/45R18 cause speedometer error on a car fitted with 235/45R18?

Swapping 235/45R18 for 255/45R18 produces a speedometer error of about 2.7%. Your speedometer will read lower than your actual speed — a 60 mph indicated reading is really 61.6 mph. Anything under 3% is usually acceptable without recalibration.

How many revolutions per mile does each size do?

235/45R18 turns 766 revs per mile. 255/45R18 turns 746 revs per mile. Taller tyres turn fewer times per mile, which lowers effective final-drive ratio.

What's the sidewall height difference?

235/45R18 has a sidewall of 106 mm (4.16 in). 255/45R18 sidewall is 115 mm (4.52 in). Lower-profile sidewalls give sharper steering response but less bump compliance.

Is 255/45R18 a safe plus-size upgrade from 235/45R18?

A plus-size upgrade is considered safe when overall diameter stays within ±3% — here the difference is 2.7%. This swap is within the typical safe range; speedometer and ABS calibration should remain close to factory.

Tire size comparison

235/45R18 vs 255/45R18

Overall diameter, sidewall, revs per mile, and speedometer error — 255/45R18 is the taller tire, with a 2.7% speedo delta when swapping.

235/45R18

26.33in

669 mm overall diameter

255/45R18

27.04in

687 mm overall diameter

Diameter Δ

0.71 in

Speedo error

2.7%

235/45R18 revs/mi

766

255/45R18 revs/mi

746

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	235/45R18	255/45R18
Section width	235 mm	255 mm
Aspect ratio	45	45
Wheel diameter	18″	18″
Sidewall height	106 mm	115 mm
Overall diameter	26.33 in (669 mm)	27.04 in (687 mm)
Circumference	82.71 in	84.93 in
Revolutions / mile	766	746

Other comparisons for these sizes

225/50R17 vs 235/45R18 225/45R18 vs 235/45R18 235/40R18 vs 235/45R18 235/45R18 vs 245/40R19 235/45R18 vs 255/35R20 235/45R18 vs 245/45R18 235/45R18 vs 235/50R18 235/45R18 vs 245/40R18 245/45R18 vs 255/45R18 255/40R18 vs 255/45R18

FAQ

Frequently asked

What is the diameter difference between 235/45R18 and 255/45R18?: 235/45R18 has an overall diameter of 26.33 inches (669 mm). 255/45R18 is 27.04 inches (687 mm). That's a 0.71 inch (18 mm) difference — 255/45R18 is taller.
Will 255/45R18 cause speedometer error on a car fitted with 235/45R18?: Swapping 235/45R18 for 255/45R18 produces a speedometer error of about 2.7%. Your speedometer will read lower than your actual speed — a 60 mph indicated reading is really 61.6 mph. Anything under 3% is usually acceptable without recalibration.
How many revolutions per mile does each size do?: 235/45R18 turns 766 revs per mile. 255/45R18 turns 746 revs per mile. Taller tyres turn fewer times per mile, which lowers effective final-drive ratio.
What's the sidewall height difference?: 235/45R18 has a sidewall of 106 mm (4.16 in). 255/45R18 sidewall is 115 mm (4.52 in). Lower-profile sidewalls give sharper steering response but less bump compliance.
Is 255/45R18 a safe plus-size upgrade from 235/45R18?: A plus-size upgrade is considered safe when overall diameter stays within ±3% — here the difference is 2.7%. This swap is within the typical safe range; speedometer and ABS calibration should remain close to factory.