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275/50R22 vs LT235/80R18 tire size comparison

275/50R22LT235/80R18

LT235/80R18 is 1 mm (0.07%) shorter than 275/50R22 and 1.5 in narrower. They fit different wheels: 275/50R22 a 22-inch wheel and LT235/80R18 an 18-inch wheel.

275/50R22 and LT235/80R18 side by side

0.0 in / -0.07%275/50R22: 32.8 in tall, solid lineLT235/80R18: 32.8 in tall, dashed line275/50R22Width 10.8 in (275 mm)Sidewall 5.4 in (138 mm)LT235/80R18Width 9.3 in (235 mm)Sidewall 7.4 in (188 mm)
275/50R22 is drawn with a solid line and LT235/80R18 with a dashed line. In each drawing both tires are to the same scale; the tread shoulder and bead curves are simplified. The table below has the same numbers.
Dimensions of 275/50R22 and LT235/80R18, with the difference (LT235/80R18 minus 275/50R22)
Measurement275/50R22LT235/80R18DifferenceDifference %
Section width10.8 in (275 mm)9.3 in (235 mm)-1.5 in (-40 mm)-14.55%
Sidewall height5.4 in (138 mm)7.4 in (188 mm)+2.0 in (+50 mm)+36.73%
Wheel (rim) diameter22.0 in (559 mm)18.0 in (457 mm)-4.0 in (-102 mm)-18.18%
Overall diameter32.8 in (834 mm)32.8 in (833 mm)0.0 in (-1 mm)-0.07%
Circumference103.1 in (2619 mm)103.1 in (2618 mm)0.0 in (-1 mm)-0.07%
Revolutions per mile614615+1+0.07%

Differences are LT235/80R18 minus 275/50R22; percentages are relative to 275/50R22. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

The overall diameter differs by 0.07%, which is within the common 3% rule of thumb.

The rule of thumb keeps a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. It covers diameter only. It is not a fit, load or safety check, because width, wheel diameter, load capacity and clearance matter too. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Speedometer difference

When the speedometer reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 275/50R22, the actual speed on LT235/80R18 is about 60.0 mph. When it reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for LT235/80R18, the actual speed on 275/50R22 is about 60.0 mph. These figures assume the speedometer is accurate on the original size and use nominal dimensions, so treat them as estimates.

Actual speed for a given speedometer reading, 275/50R22 against LT235/80R18
Speedometer readsActual on LT235/80R18 (built for 275/50R22)Actual on 275/50R22 (built for LT235/80R18)
20 mph20.0 mph20.0 mph
30 mph30.0 mph30.0 mph
40 mph40.0 mph40.0 mph
50 mph50.0 mph50.0 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.0 mph
70 mph69.9 mph70.1 mph
80 mph79.9 mph80.1 mph

A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Check the tire placard on the driver's door jamb and your owner's manual for the sizes your vehicle was built for. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Which vehicles use each size?

These vehicles list the size among their verified sizes, by trim. Open one to see all of its sizes.

Check it in the calculator

The calculator takes the same two sizes and shows the full comparison, or lets you swap either one for another size.

Open this comparison in the calculator

Shop for 275/50R22 or LT235/80R18 tires

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Other comparisons with 275/50R22

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 275/50R22 in overall diameter.

Other comparisons with LT235/80R18

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to LT235/80R18 in overall diameter.

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