Winter Wheel Size Comparator
Compare winter wheel and tire packages against your summer setup. Check diameter gap, width, sidewall and wheel size for each option.
Compare proposed winter wheel packages.
Winter Wheel Size Comparator: Tire Size Inputs
Compare two tire sizes here. Use the formulas and reference tables below for this tool's specific calculation.
How Winter Wheel Size Comparator Works?
The Winter Wheel Size Comparator works by placing several proposed winter packages next to the summer setup and comparing diameter, width and sidewall for each package. The comparison has 4 steps.
Enter the summer setup
Type the summer size and wheel width, for example 245/40 R18 on an 8.0-inch wheel.
Add winter packages
Enter 2 to 5 winter options, for example 225/50 R17 on a 7.0-inch wheel.
Compare dimensions
The comparator lists diameter gap, width change and sidewall change for each package.
Check limits
The comparator flags packages outside ±3% diameter and wheels smaller than the minimum diameter entered for the brakes.
Winter Wheel Size Comparator Formula
The Winter Wheel Size Comparator formula is Δ%_winter = (OD_winter − OD_summer) ÷ OD_summer × 100, with width and sidewall changes shown beside it.
Δ% = (OD_w − OD_s) ÷ OD_s × 100ΔW = W_w − W_sΔSH = SH_w − SH_s- OD_s, OD_w
- Summer and winter diameters (mm)
- W_s, W_w
- Summer and winter widths (mm)
- SH_s, SH_w
- Summer and winter sidewalls (mm)
Worked example
A summer 245/40 R18 setup measures 653.2 mm. A winter 225/50 R17 package measures 656.8 mm, a gap of +0.55%. The winter tire is 20 mm (0.79 in) narrower and gains 14.5 mm (0.57 in) of sidewall.
Winter Wheel Size Comparator Conversion Table
The Winter Wheel Size Comparator conversion table compares 4 winter packages against a 245/40 R18 summer setup.
| Package | Tire size | Wheel | Sidewall | Diameter | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer stock | 245/40 R18 | 8.0" wheel | 98.0 mm | 653.2 mm | +0.00% |
| Winter Minus-One | 225/50 R17 | 7.0" wheel | 112.5 mm | 656.8 mm | +0.55% |
| Winter Minus-One narrow | 215/55 R17 | 7.0" wheel | 118.2 mm | 668.3 mm | +2.31% |
| Winter same wheel | 235/45 R18 | 8.0" wheel | 105.8 mm | 668.7 mm | +2.37% |
| Winter Minus-Two | 215/60 R16 | 6.5" wheel | 129.0 mm | 664.4 mm | +1.71% |
What is Winter Wheel Size Comparator?
A Winter Wheel Size Comparator is a tool that compares dedicated winter wheel and tire packages with the vehicle's summer setup. Winter packages use narrower tires and smaller wheels for better snow traction and lower cost.
A narrower tire puts more weight on each square inch of contact patch, so the tread bites through snow to firmer ground. A 20 mm narrower tire raises contact pressure by about 8%.
Every winter package needs a check for diameter, brake clearance, bolt pattern, center bore and load index.
What are the uses of Winter Wheel Size Comparator?
There are 4 main uses of the Winter Wheel Size Comparator, including package shopping and brake clearance planning.
Package shopping
Compare winter packages from 2 or 3 retailers.
Brake clearance planning
Confirm the smallest wheel that clears the calipers.
Chain fitment
Pick a winter size that accepts snow chains in regions that require chains.
Cost comparison
Weigh a smaller, cheaper package against a same-size package.
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