Comparison

225/55 R17 vs 225/55 R18

225/55 R18 is a plus-1 alternative to 225/55 R17 — the bigger wheel shows through a thinner sidewall. This alternative fitment noticeably changes overall diameter compared to OEM. The speedometer error is noticeable and may warrant a recalibration if you rely on indicated speed. Visually, the bigger wheel fills the arch and gives the car a more aggressive stance. Diameter delta falls in the cautious 3–5% range, where speedometer recalibration and a careful clearance check are worth doing.

TakeA solid pick for drivers chasing a more aggressive stance without abandoning OEM rolling diameter.

Quick math: 225/55 R18 is 25.4 mm taller than 225/55 R17, shifting the speedometer by +3.74%.

Current Tire

225/55R17

New Tire

225/55R18
225/55 R17
225/55 R18

Ground line · scaled comparison

Slight Difference

Within ±5% — usable, recalibration recommended

Diameter change

+25.4 mm

3.74%

Speedometer at 100

103.7 km/h

+3.74% error

Ground clearance

+12.7 mm

ride height delta

Sidewall change

0.0 mm

revs/km: 451.7

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Detailed comparison

Metric225/55 R17225/55 R18Difference
Overall diameter679.3 mm704.7 mm+25.4 mm (+3.74%)
Sidewall height123.8 mm123.8 mm0.0 mm
Circumference2.134 m2.214 m+79.8 mm
Revs / km468.6451.7-16.9
Ground clearancereference+12.7 mm+12.7 mm
Speedometer @ 100 km/h100.0 km/h103.7 km/h+3.74 km/h

Verdict: warning

Between 3% and 5% — noticeable speedometer drift; recalibration may be advisable.

Speedometer impact

At a true 100 km/h, your dashboard will read 103.7 km/h after switching to 225/55 R18 — a +3.74% offset. Use the speedometer error calculator to recheck for other indicated speeds, and the speedometer error guide for the full background.

Ground clearance change

The new tire's half-diameter changes ride height by +12.7 mm. Small differences are absorbed by suspension travel, but anything beyond ±10 mm can affect headlight aim, fender clearance and bump-stop margin. See the plus-sizing guide before committing.

Back to

225/55 R17

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225/55 R18

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Frequently asked questions