245/50R18 vs 245/55R18

245/55R18 is 0.96 in (24.5 mm) taller than 245/50R18, a +3.49% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 245/50R18, an indicated 60 mph is 62.1 mph on 245/55R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +3.49%: outside the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 245/55R18 falls outside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 245/50R18; 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.

245/50R18 vs 245/55R18 differences
Measurement	245/50R18	245/55R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	27.65 in (702.2 mm)	28.61 in (726.7 mm)	+0.96 in (+24.5 mm)	+3.49%
Sidewall height	4.82 in (122.5 mm)	5.31 in (134.8 mm)	+0.48 in (+12.3 mm)	+10.00%
Section width	9.65 in (245.0 mm)	9.65 in (245.0 mm)	0.00 in (0.0 mm)	0.00%
Circumference	86.85 in (2,206.0 mm)	89.88 in (2,283.0 mm)	+3.03 in (+77.0 mm)	+3.49%
Revolutions per mile	730	705	−25	−3.37%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 245/50R18
Indicated	Actual on 245/50R18	Actual on 245/55R18	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	31.0 mph	+1.0 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	62.1 mph	+2.1 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	77.6 mph	+2.6 mph

Ride-height change: 245/55R18 raises the vehicle by 0.48 in (12.3 mm) at the axle (half the +24.5 mm diameter difference).

245/55R18 is 0.96 in taller than 245/50R18 and the same width, a 3.49% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 245/50R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 62.1 mph on 245/55R18, and revolutions per mile change from 730 to 705.

Both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 245/50R18

Other comparisons with 245/55R18

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