Tire Size Box

215/50R18 vs 235/50R18

235/50R18 compared with 215/50R18

+3.0% diameter, +0.8" width

235/50R18 is 27.25" tall vs 26.46". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

26.5"18" rim4.2"8.5" wide
215/50R18 (solid) compared with 235/50R18 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 235/50R18 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.8 mph

235/50R18 is +0.79 inches (+3.0%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

215/50R18235/50R18Difference%
Overall diameter26.46"27.25"+0.79"+3.0%
Section width8.46"9.25"+0.79"+9.3%
Sidewall height4.23"4.63"+0.39"+9.3%
Circumference83.14"85.61"+2.47"+3.0%
Revolutions per mile762.1740.1−22.0−2.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 215/50R18 and you fit 235/50R18, 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 mph66.9 mph+1.9 mph
70 mph72.1 mph+2.1 mph
75 mph77.2 mph+2.2 mph
80 mph82.4 mph+2.4 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 215/50R18 or 235/50R18?
235/50R18 is taller by 0.79 inches (27.25" vs 26.46"). 235/50R18 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 215/50R18 with 235/50R18?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +3.0%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 235/50R18 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 235/50R18 fitted (calibrated for 215/50R18), your real speed is 61.8 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.0%.
Will 235/50R18 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.39 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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