Automotive & Vehicle Costs

Tire Size Calculator

Check how a new tire size changes diameter and speedometer reading.

Your numbers

Your results

Current diameter (mm)
Current diameter (mm)
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New diameter (mm)
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Diameter difference
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Real speed when the speedometer shows 60 mph
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New sidewall height (mm)
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Tire Size Calculator by TheCalcTools

How the Tire Size Calculator works

Enter the three numbers printed on the tire, for example 225/45R17.

Overall diameter = rim diameter + 2 × sidewall height, where sidewall = width × aspect ratio.

A larger diameter covers more road per turn, so the speedometer reads low.

The formula

Diameter = rim × 25.4 + 2 × width × aspect ratioReal speed = indicated speed × new diameter ÷ old diameter

Worked example

Using the default values shown in the calculator:

Current width (mm)225
Current aspect ratio (%)45
Current rim (in)17
New width (mm)245
New aspect ratio (%)40
New rim (in)18
  1. 225/45R17: 17 × 25.4 + 2 × 101.25 = 634.3 mm.
  2. 245/40R18 is 653.2 mm, 2.98% different, so 60 mph indicated is really 61.8 mph.

Result:

Current diameter (mm)634.3
New diameter (mm)653.2
Diameter difference2.98%
Real speed when the speedometer shows 60 mph61.8
New sidewall height (mm)98.0

Frequently asked questions

How much diameter change is safe?

Many manufacturers recommend staying within about 3% of the original diameter so speedometer, ABS and traction systems still work correctly.

Is this a fitment guide?

No. Check clearance, load rating and your vehicle manual or a tire shop before changing size.

Sources and further reading

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This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.