315/40R18 tires: size explained
315/40R18 is a Euro-metric tire size. It is about 27.9 in (709 mm) tall, 315 mm wide, and made for a 18-inch wheel.
What 315/40R18 means
A tire size describes the tire's shape and the wheel it fits. It says nothing about load capacity or speed capability, which are printed separately on the sidewall.
- No letterEuro-metric
- With no letter in front of the width, this is a Euro-metric size (also called hard metric). It has the same dimensions as the P-metric version but is built to a different load standard, so its load capacity can differ.
- 315Section width
- The tire's width is 315 millimeters (12.4 in), measured from sidewall to sidewall.
- 40Aspect ratio
- The sidewall height is 40% of the width. For 315 mm that is about 5.0 in (126 mm). A smaller number means a shorter sidewall.
- RRadial construction
- R means radial construction, where the internal cords run across the tire from one edge to the other.
- 18Wheel (rim) diameter
- The tire is made for a wheel 18 inches across. Its overall diameter is larger: about 27.9 in (709 mm).
315/40R18 dimensions
- Section width
- 12.4 in (315 mm)
- Sidewall height
- 5.0 in (126 mm)
- Wheel (rim) diameter
- 18.0 in (457 mm)
- Overall diameter
- 27.9 in (709 mm)
- Circumference
- 87.7 in (2228 mm)
- Revolutions per mile
- 722
These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.
Which vehicles use 315/40R18?
These vehicles list 315/40R18 among their verified sizes, by trim. Open one to see all of its sizes.
Shop for 315/40R18 tires
Confirm the size on your tire sidewall or door placard first. These links open each store's own search for 315/40R18; prices and stock are on their sites.
- Search 315/40R18 at Tire Rack
- Search 315/40R18 at Discount Tire
- Search 315/40R18 at SimpleTire
- Search 315/40R18 at Amazon
- Search 315/40R18 at Priority Tire
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links. It doesn't change the price you pay. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Snow chains and tire socks for 315/40R18
Where winter roads call for extra traction, chains and tire socks are two options that fit over your tires. They are made for specific tire sizes, so these links open Amazon searches for 315/40R18. Whether they suit your vehicle depends on its clearance and the local rules.
Paid links to Amazon search results. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Before you buy
- Chains and socks are sold by tire size, so match the size on your sidewall exactly.
- Check your owner's manual first: many newer cars and SUVs limit or prohibit chains, or require low-profile (often called SAE Class S) chains because of tight wheel-well clearance.
- Tire socks are a lighter-duty option; check your state's rules, because some areas only accept chains when chain controls are in effect.
- Put them on the drive wheels (or as your manual says) and follow the maker's speed limit.
Similar sizes
These common sizes have an overall diameter within about 3% of 315/40R18. A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.
| Size | Wheel diameter | Diameter difference | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| 235/55R18 | 18 in (same) | +0.92% | Compare 315/40R18 with 235/55R18 |
| 225/60R17 | 17 in (different) | -1.04% | Compare 315/40R18 with 225/60R17 |
| 225/65R17 | 17 in (different) | +2.13% | Compare 315/40R18 with 225/65R17 |
Same dimensions, different load standard
P315/40R18 (P-metric) has the same dimensions as 315/40R18, but it is built to a different load standard. Check the load index on the sidewall rather than assuming the two are interchangeable.
Compare 315/40R18 with similar sizes
Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 315/40R18 in overall diameter.
- 285/35R20 vs 315/40R18-0.24% shorter than 315/40R18
- 215/70R16 vs 315/40R18-0.25% shorter than 315/40R18
- 215/65R17 vs 315/40R18+0.30% taller than 315/40R18
- 255/35R21 vs 315/40R18+0.38% taller than 315/40R18
- 255/40R20 vs 315/40R18+0.39% taller than 315/40R18
- 255/45R19 vs 315/40R18+0.41% taller than 315/40R18
- 315/40R18 vs 345/25R21-0.47% shorter than 315/40R18
- 235/60R17 vs 315/40R18+0.65% taller than 315/40R18
- 245/45R19 vs 315/40R18-0.86% shorter than 315/40R18
- 275/40R19 vs 315/40R18-0.93% shorter than 315/40R18
Compare 315/40R18 with another size
See how another size differs in height, width, sidewall and speedometer reading in the tire size calculator.
Compare 315/40R18 with another sizeQuestions about 315/40R18
What does 315/40R18 mean?
315/40R18 describes the shape and size of a tire, not how much it can carry or how fast it can go. 315 is the width in millimeters, 40 is the sidewall height as a percentage of that width (about 126 mm), R is the construction type and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches.
How tall is a 315/40R18 tire?
A 315/40R18 tire has a nominal overall diameter of about 27.9 in (709 mm), with a sidewall about 5.0 in (126 mm) tall. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.
How many revolutions per mile does a 315/40R18 tire make?
About 722 revolutions per mile, based on a circumference of 87.7 in (2228 mm). A vehicle's speedometer and odometer are calibrated to the tire size it was built with, so a size with a different overall diameter changes what they read. A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.
Is 315/40R18 the same as P315/40R18?
They have the same dimensions: both are about 27.9 in (709 mm) tall and 315 mm wide. They are built to different load standards, though (Euro-metric and P-metric), so the load a tire can carry can differ. Check the load index on the sidewall, and ask a tire professional or your owner's manual before treating them as interchangeable.
Which sizes have a similar diameter to 315/40R18?
Among the common sizes we list, these are within about 3% of the overall diameter of 315/40R18: 235/55R18 (+0.92%), 225/60R17 (-1.04%), 225/65R17 (+2.13%). Diameter is only one measure. Width, wheel diameter, load capacity and clearance matter too. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.
You might also need
- Digital tire pressure gauge (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)
Check your tire pressure against the number on your door placard.
- Portable tire inflator (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)
Top up a low tire at home without a trip to the gas station.
- Tire tread depth gauge (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)
Measure how much tread is left before you decide to replace.
- Lug wrench or torque wrench (Amazon search, opens in a new tab)
Useful for rotations and tire changes; follow the torque spec in your owner's manual.
Paid links to Amazon search results. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read our affiliate disclosure.