255/40R17 vs 225/40R18

225/40R18 is 0.06 in (1.4 mm) taller than 255/40R17, a +0.22% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 255/40R17, an indicated 60 mph is 60.1 mph on 225/40R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.22%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 225/40R18 is a near match for 255/40R17; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. 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.

255/40R17 vs 225/40R18 differences
Measurement	255/40R17	225/40R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	25.03 in (635.8 mm)	25.09 in (637.2 mm)	+0.06 in (+1.4 mm)	+0.22%
Sidewall height	4.02 in (102.0 mm)	3.54 in (90.0 mm)	−0.47 in (−12.0 mm)	−11.76%
Section width	10.04 in (255.0 mm)	8.86 in (225.0 mm)	−1.18 in (−30.0 mm)	−11.76%
Circumference	78.64 in (1,997.4 mm)	78.81 in (2,001.8 mm)	+0.17 in (+4.4 mm)	+0.22%
Revolutions per mile	806	804	−2	−0.22%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 255/40R17
Indicated	Actual on 255/40R17	Actual on 225/40R18	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.1 mph	+0.1 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.1 mph	+0.1 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.2 mph	+0.2 mph

Ride-height change: 225/40R18 raises the vehicle by 0.03 in (0.7 mm) at the axle (half the +1.4 mm diameter difference).

225/40R18 is 0.06 in taller than 255/40R17 and 30 mm narrower, a 0.22% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 255/40R17, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.1 mph on 225/40R18, and revolutions per mile change from 806 to 804.

225/40R18 mounts on a 18-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 17-inch wheel of 255/40R17.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 255/40R17

Other comparisons with 225/40R18

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