205/40R18 vs 215/40R18

215/40R18 is 0.31 in (8.0 mm) taller than 205/40R18, a +1.29% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 205/40R18, an indicated 60 mph is 60.8 mph on 215/40R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.29%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 215/40R18 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 205/40R18. 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.

205/40R18 vs 215/40R18 differences
Measurement	205/40R18	215/40R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	24.46 in (621.2 mm)	24.77 in (629.2 mm)	+0.31 in (+8.0 mm)	+1.29%
Sidewall height	3.23 in (82.0 mm)	3.39 in (86.0 mm)	+0.16 in (+4.0 mm)	+4.88%
Section width	8.07 in (205.0 mm)	8.46 in (215.0 mm)	+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)	+4.88%
Circumference	76.83 in (1,951.6 mm)	77.82 in (1,976.7 mm)	+0.99 in (+25.1 mm)	+1.29%
Revolutions per mile	825	814	−10	−1.27%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 205/40R18
Indicated	Actual on 205/40R18	Actual on 215/40R18	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.4 mph	+0.4 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.8 mph	+0.8 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	76.0 mph	+1.0 mph

Ride-height change: 215/40R18 raises the vehicle by 0.16 in (4.0 mm) at the axle (half the +8.0 mm diameter difference).

215/40R18 is 0.31 in taller than 205/40R18 and 10 mm wider, a 1.29% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 205/40R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.8 mph on 215/40R18, and revolutions per mile change from 825 to 814.

Both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 205/40R18

Other comparisons with 215/40R18

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