255/40R18 vs 225/35R20

225/35R20 is 0.17 in (4.3 mm) taller than 255/40R18, a +0.65% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 255/40R18, an indicated 60 mph is 60.4 mph on 225/35R20.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.65%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 225/35R20 is a near match for 255/40R18; 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.

255/40R18 vs 225/35R20 differences
Measurement	255/40R18	225/35R20	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	26.03 in (661.2 mm)	26.20 in (665.5 mm)	+0.17 in (+4.3 mm)	+0.65%
Sidewall height	4.02 in (102.0 mm)	3.10 in (78.8 mm)	−0.92 in (−23.2 mm)	−22.79%
Section width	10.04 in (255.0 mm)	8.86 in (225.0 mm)	−1.18 in (−30.0 mm)	−11.76%
Circumference	81.78 in (2,077.2 mm)	82.31 in (2,090.7 mm)	+0.53 in (+13.5 mm)	+0.65%
Revolutions per mile	775	770	−5	−0.65%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 255/40R18
Indicated	Actual on 255/40R18	Actual on 225/35R20	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.2 mph	+0.2 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.4 mph	+0.4 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.5 mph	+0.5 mph

Ride-height change: 225/35R20 raises the vehicle by 0.08 in (2.1 mm) at the axle (half the +4.3 mm diameter difference).

225/35R20 is 0.17 in taller than 255/40R18 and 30 mm narrower, a 0.65% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 255/40R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.4 mph on 225/35R20, and revolutions per mile change from 775 to 770.

225/35R20 mounts on a 20-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 18-inch wheel of 255/40R18.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 255/40R18

Other comparisons with 225/35R20

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