235/45R18 vs 245/45R18

245/45R18 is 0.35 in (9.0 mm) taller than 235/45R18, a +1.35% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 235/45R18, an indicated 60 mph is 60.8 mph on 245/45R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.35%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 245/45R18 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 235/45R18. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 235/45R18 (26.33 in) vs 245/45R18 (26.68 in)235/45R1826.33 in × 9.25 in245/45R1826.68 in × 9.65 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
235/45R18 vs 245/45R18 differences
Measurement235/45R18245/45R18Difference% diff
Overall diameter26.33 in (668.7 mm)26.68 in (677.7 mm)+0.35 in (+9.0 mm)+1.35%
Sidewall height4.16 in (105.8 mm)4.34 in (110.3 mm)+0.18 in (+4.5 mm)+4.26%
Section width9.25 in (235.0 mm)9.65 in (245.0 mm)+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)+4.26%
Circumference82.71 in (2,100.8 mm)83.82 in (2,129.1 mm)+1.11 in (+28.3 mm)+1.35%
Revolutions per mile766756−10−1.33%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 235/45R18
IndicatedActual on 235/45R18Actual on 245/45R18Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.4 mph+0.4 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.8 mph+0.8 mph
75 mph75.0 mph76.0 mph+1.0 mph

Ride-height change: 245/45R18 raises the vehicle by 0.18 in (4.5 mm) at the axle (half the +9.0 mm diameter difference).

245/45R18 is 0.35 in taller than 235/45R18 and 10 mm wider, a 1.35% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 235/45R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.8 mph on 245/45R18, and revolutions per mile change from 766 to 756.

Both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 235/45R18

Other comparisons with 245/45R18

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.