205/55 R16 vs 255/35 R18

205/55 R16 vs 255/35 R18

255/35 R18 stays within the configured tolerance for 205/55 R16: +0.6% diameter and +0.6% speedometer effect.

Fitment verdict

255/35 R18 stays within the configured tolerance for 205/55 R16: +0.6% diameter and +0.6% speedometer effect.

Metric This size: 205/55 R16 Alternative: 255/35 R18 Difference Verdict
Overall diameter 24.88 in 25.03 in +0.6% Within tolerance
Section width 8.07 in 10.04 in +1.97 in Computed difference
Sidewall height 4.44 in 3.51 in -0.93 in Computed difference
Circumference 78.16 in 78.63 in +0.6% Within tolerance
Speedo 0.0% +0.6% +0.6% Within tolerance

Compare sizes

Looks valid
Looks valid
Units
✓ Within toleranceDiameter +0.6% (+0.15 in) · US (~3%)
  • Within tolerance · Diameter +0.6%.
  • Speedo @ 60: 60 mph60.4 mph.
  • Sidewall -0.93 in · Width +1.97 in.
Diameter+0.6%+0.15 in
Speedo @ 60+0.6%60 mph60.4 mph
Sidewall-0.93 inWidth +1.97 in
How this result is calculated

Computed from nominal tire-size geometry: diameter, circumference and speedometer error. It does not check wheel-arch, suspension or brake clearance.

Methodology
Diameter
24.88 in 25.03 in+0.15 in
Sidewall
4.44 in 3.51 in-0.93 in
Width
8.07 in 10.04 in+1.97 in
Circumference
78.16 in 78.63 in+0.6%
Revs / mile
811 806
Speedo @ 60
60 mph 60.4 mph+0.6%
Δ⌀ +3.8 mm
  • Current205/55 R16
  • New255/35 R18
  • Grounded to the road: the axle rises +0.07 in.

Result report

205/55 R16 255/35 R18 · Within tolerance

Use this size when shopping: 255/35 R18

Use this size when shopping

Geometric estimate. Always verify physical clearance (arches, suspension, brakes) before fitting.

Safe alternative sizes

SizeDiameterSpeedo @ 100Use this
−1″ 315/40R15+0.2%+0.2%
OE 205/55R16+0.0%+0.0%
+1″ 125/80R17-0.0%-0.0%
+2″ 125/70R18+0.0%+0.0%

205/55 R16 · 255/35 R18 · Methodology

Last reviewed: 2026-06-28
What changed
  • Reviewed deterministic geometry, load/speed references, sitemap inclusion and localized page shell.