245/55R18 vs 255/55R18

255/55R18 is 0.43 in (11.0 mm) taller than 245/55R18, a +1.51% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 245/55R18, an indicated 60 mph is 60.9 mph on 255/55R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.51%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 255/55R18 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 245/55R18. 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.

245/55R18 vs 255/55R18 differences
Measurement	245/55R18	255/55R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	28.61 in (726.7 mm)	29.04 in (737.7 mm)	+0.43 in (+11.0 mm)	+1.51%
Sidewall height	5.31 in (134.8 mm)	5.52 in (140.3 mm)	+0.22 in (+5.5 mm)	+4.08%
Section width	9.65 in (245.0 mm)	10.04 in (255.0 mm)	+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)	+4.08%
Circumference	89.88 in (2,283.0 mm)	91.24 in (2,317.6 mm)	+1.36 in (+34.6 mm)	+1.51%
Revolutions per mile	705	694	−11	−1.49%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 245/55R18
Indicated	Actual on 245/55R18	Actual on 255/55R18	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	76.1 mph	+1.1 mph

Ride-height change: 255/55R18 raises the vehicle by 0.22 in (5.5 mm) at the axle (half the +11.0 mm diameter difference).

255/55R18 is 0.43 in taller than 245/55R18 and 10 mm wider, a 1.51% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 245/55R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.9 mph on 255/55R18, and revolutions per mile change from 705 to 694.

Both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 245/55R18

Other comparisons with 255/55R18

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