215/50R18 vs 215/55R18

215/55R18 is 0.85 in (21.5 mm) taller than 215/50R18, a +3.20% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 215/50R18, an indicated 60 mph is 61.9 mph on 215/55R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +3.20%: outside the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 215/55R18 falls outside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 215/50R18; speedometer and ride-height changes are larger. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

215/50R18 vs 215/55R18 differences
Measurement	215/50R18	215/55R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	26.46 in (672.2 mm)	27.31 in (693.7 mm)	+0.85 in (+21.5 mm)	+3.20%
Sidewall height	4.23 in (107.5 mm)	4.66 in (118.3 mm)	+0.42 in (+10.8 mm)	+10.00%
Section width	8.46 in (215.0 mm)	8.46 in (215.0 mm)	0.00 in (0.0 mm)	0.00%
Circumference	83.14 in (2,111.8 mm)	85.80 in (2,179.3 mm)	+2.66 in (+67.5 mm)	+3.20%
Revolutions per mile	762	738	−24	−3.10%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 215/50R18
Indicated	Actual on 215/50R18	Actual on 215/55R18	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	31.0 mph	+1.0 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	61.9 mph	+1.9 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	77.4 mph	+2.4 mph

Ride-height change: 215/55R18 raises the vehicle by 0.42 in (10.8 mm) at the axle (half the +21.5 mm diameter difference).

215/55R18 is 0.85 in taller than 215/50R18 and the same width, a 3.20% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 215/50R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.9 mph on 215/55R18, and revolutions per mile change from 762 to 738.

Both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 215/50R18

Other comparisons with 215/55R18

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.