235/45R18 vs 235/50R18

235/50R18 is 0.93 in (23.5 mm) taller than 235/45R18, a +3.51% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 235/45R18, an indicated 60 mph is 62.1 mph on 235/50R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +3.51%: outside the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 235/50R18 falls outside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 235/45R18; speedometer and ride-height changes are larger. 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.

235/45R18 vs 235/50R18 differences
Measurement	235/45R18	235/50R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	26.33 in (668.7 mm)	27.25 in (692.2 mm)	+0.93 in (+23.5 mm)	+3.51%
Sidewall height	4.16 in (105.8 mm)	4.63 in (117.5 mm)	+0.46 in (+11.8 mm)	+11.11%
Section width	9.25 in (235.0 mm)	9.25 in (235.0 mm)	0.00 in (0.0 mm)	0.00%
Circumference	82.71 in (2,100.8 mm)	85.61 in (2,174.6 mm)	+2.91 in (+73.8 mm)	+3.51%
Revolutions per mile	766	740	−26	−3.39%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 235/45R18
Indicated	Actual on 235/45R18	Actual on 235/50R18	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	31.1 mph	+1.1 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	62.1 mph	+2.1 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	77.6 mph	+2.6 mph

Ride-height change: 235/50R18 raises the vehicle by 0.46 in (11.8 mm) at the axle (half the +23.5 mm diameter difference).

235/50R18 is 0.93 in taller than 235/45R18 and the same width, a 3.51% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 235/45R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 62.1 mph on 235/50R18, and revolutions per mile change from 766 to 740.

Both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 235/45R18

Other comparisons with 235/50R18

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