225/55R18 vs 235/55R18

235/55R18 is 0.43 in (11.0 mm) taller than 225/55R18, a +1.56% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 225/55R18, an indicated 60 mph is 60.9 mph on 235/55R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.56%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 235/55R18 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 225/55R18. 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.

225/55R18 vs 235/55R18 differences
Measurement	225/55R18	235/55R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	27.74 in (704.7 mm)	28.18 in (715.7 mm)	+0.43 in (+11.0 mm)	+1.56%
Sidewall height	4.87 in (123.8 mm)	5.09 in (129.3 mm)	+0.22 in (+5.5 mm)	+4.44%
Section width	8.86 in (225.0 mm)	9.25 in (235.0 mm)	+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)	+4.44%
Circumference	87.16 in (2,213.9 mm)	88.52 in (2,248.4 mm)	+1.36 in (+34.6 mm)	+1.56%
Revolutions per mile	727	716	−11	−1.54%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 225/55R18
Indicated	Actual on 225/55R18	Actual on 235/55R18	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.5 mph	+0.5 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.9 mph	+0.9 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	76.2 mph	+1.2 mph

Ride-height change: 235/55R18 raises the vehicle by 0.22 in (5.5 mm) at the axle (half the +11.0 mm diameter difference).

235/55R18 is 0.43 in taller than 225/55R18 and 10 mm wider, a 1.56% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 225/55R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.9 mph on 235/55R18, and revolutions per mile change from 727 to 716.

Both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 225/55R18

Other comparisons with 235/55R18

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