265/50R18 vs 225/60R18

225/60R18 is 0.20 in (5.0 mm) taller than 265/50R18, a +0.69% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/50R18, an indicated 60 mph is 60.4 mph on 225/60R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.69%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 225/60R18 is a near match for 265/50R18; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. 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.

265/50R18 vs 225/60R18 differences
Measurement	265/50R18	225/60R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	28.43 in (722.2 mm)	28.63 in (727.2 mm)	+0.20 in (+5.0 mm)	+0.69%
Sidewall height	5.22 in (132.5 mm)	5.31 in (135.0 mm)	+0.10 in (+2.5 mm)	+1.89%
Section width	10.43 in (265.0 mm)	8.86 in (225.0 mm)	−1.57 in (−40.0 mm)	−15.09%
Circumference	89.33 in (2,268.9 mm)	89.94 in (2,284.6 mm)	+0.62 in (+15.7 mm)	+0.69%
Revolutions per mile	709	704	−5	−0.69%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/50R18
Indicated	Actual on 265/50R18	Actual on 225/60R18	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.2 mph	+0.2 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.4 mph	+0.4 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.5 mph	+0.5 mph

Ride-height change: 225/60R18 raises the vehicle by 0.10 in (2.5 mm) at the axle (half the +5.0 mm diameter difference).

225/60R18 is 0.20 in taller than 265/50R18 and 40 mm narrower, a 0.69% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/50R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.4 mph on 225/60R18, and revolutions per mile change from 709 to 704.

Both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 265/50R18

Other comparisons with 225/60R18

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