Tire Size Box

195/50R18 vs 215/50R18

215/50R18 compared with 195/50R18

+3.1% diameter, +0.8" width

215/50R18 is 26.46" tall vs 25.68". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

25.7"18" rim3.8"7.7" wide
195/50R18 (solid) compared with 215/50R18 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/50R18 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

215/50R18 is +0.79 inches (+3.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

195/50R18215/50R18Difference%
Overall diameter25.68"26.46"+0.79"+3.1%
Section width7.68"8.46"+0.79"+10.3%
Sidewall height3.84"4.23"+0.39"+10.3%
Circumference80.67"83.14"+2.47"+3.1%
Revolutions per mile785.4762.1−23.4−3.0%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 195/50R18 and you fit 215/50R18, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.6 mph+0.6 mph
30 mph30.9 mph+0.9 mph
40 mph41.2 mph+1.2 mph
50 mph51.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph61.8 mph+1.8 mph
65 mph67.0 mph+2.0 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.3 mph+2.3 mph
80 mph82.5 mph+2.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 195/50R18 or 215/50R18?
215/50R18 is taller by 0.79 inches (26.46" vs 25.68"). 215/50R18 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 195/50R18 with 215/50R18?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.1%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 215/50R18 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/50R18 fitted (calibrated for 195/50R18), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.1%.
Will 215/50R18 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.39 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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