Quick Answer
- The Tesla manuals list 235/45R18, 235/40R19 and 235/35R20 on the 2017 to 2023 Model 3, 255/45R19, 255/40R20 and 255/35R21 (rear 275/35R21) on the Model Y, and 285/65R20 on the Cybertruck.
- Sizes are listed by wheel size, not trim, so read the Tire and Loading Information label on your centre door pillar to see which your car has.
- The Model 3 18, 19 and 20 inch sizes are 26.3 to 26.5 in tall (calculated), so changing wheel size barely changes the speedometer.
Common Tesla size swaps
Tesla Tire Size Guide
Tire sizes, staggered setups and how to read a Tesla tire: the full reference guide.
Tesla Tire Outer Diameter and Dimension Reference
Calculated outer diameter, sidewall height, circumference, and revs/mile for the sizes in the Tesla Service Manual. Values computed using the ISO metric tire formula.
| Wheel Config | OD | Sidewall | Circumference | Rev/Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 18" (235/45R18) | 26.33" | 4.16" | 82.71" | 766 |
| Model 3 19" (235/40R19) | 26.40" | 3.70" | 82.94" | 764 |
| Model 3 20" (front) (235/35R20) | 26.48" | 3.24" | 83.18" | 762 |
| Model 3 20" 2024+ (rear) (275/30R20) | 26.50" | 3.25" | 83.24" | 761 |
| Model Y 19" (255/45R19) | 28.04" | 4.52" | 88.08" | 719 |
| Model Y 20" (255/40R20) | 28.03" | 4.02" | 88.06" | 719 |
| Model Y 21" (front) (255/35R21) | 28.03" | 3.51" | 88.05" | 720 |
| Model Y 21" (rear) (275/35R21) | 28.58" | 3.79" | 89.78" | 706 |
| Model S 21" (front) (265/35R21) | 28.30" | 3.65" | 88.92" | 713 |
| Model X 20" (front) (265/45R20) | 29.39" | 4.69" | 92.33" | 686 |
| Model X 22" (front) (265/35R22) | 29.30" | 3.65" | 92.06" | 688 |
| Cybertruck 20" (285/65R20) | 34.59" | 7.29" | 108.66" | 583 |
OD values computed from nominal metric size code. Actual manufactured dimensions may vary ±1–2% by brand and model year. Always verify against your Tesla tire placard before purchasing.
How Tesla Tire Sizes Are Calculated: The Formula
Overall Diameter (in) = Rim Diameter + 2 × Sidewall Height Sidewall Height (in) = (Section Width mm × Aspect Ratio%) ÷ 2540 Circumference (in) = π × Overall Diameter Revs/Mile = 63,360 ÷ Circumference
Example: 235/45R18: Sidewall = (235 × 0.45) ÷ 25.4 = 4.16 in OD = 18 + (2 × 4.16) = 26.33 in Circ = π × 26.33 = 82.71 in Rev/mi = 63,360 ÷ 82.71 = 766
- Section Width (235): tread width in millimetres, measured sidewall-to-sidewall at the widest point.
- Aspect Ratio (45): sidewall height as a percentage of section width. 45 means sidewall = 235 × 0.45 = 105.75 mm = 4.16 in.
- Rim Diameter (R18): wheel diameter in inches. Tesla uses 18–22\" depending on model and trim.
- Load index: shown after the size on the sidewall. Replacements should carry at least the same load index as the tires on your car; the load index to kilograms chart lists the value for each number.
How to Use the Tesla Tire Size Calculator
- 1Select your Tesla model: Click Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, or Cybertruck on the OEM Lookup tab. All trims and generations for that model appear instantly.
- 2Read your OEM tire size: Find your generation and trim in the table. The Front and Rear columns show the exact OEM size code. The OD column shows the calculated outer diameter in inches for quick comparison.
- 3Compare a new tire size (optional): Go to the Size Diff tab. Enter your current stock size and the proposed new size. The calculator shows outer diameter delta, a closeness badge, a speedometer correction table, and a visual comparison.
- 4Use a Quick Swap preset: Common Tesla size changes (e.g. Model 3 18"→19", Model Y 19"→21") are pre-loaded as one-click presets in the Size Diff tab to save time.
- 5Check wheel nut torque: The Wheel Nuts tab shows the torque Tesla publishes for the Model 3, Model Y and Model S. Confirm bolt pattern and offset with Tesla before ordering aftermarket wheels.
Tesla Tire Notes From the Tesla Service Manual
T-mark identifies Tesla-approved tires
Tesla-approved tires carry a T-mark (T0, T1, T2 and so on) on the sidewall. It indicates a specific tire model's progression according to Tesla specifications, not a general quality grade.
Check pressure and load on your placard
Tesla states that pressures vary with the tires fitted. Use the placard on your car, check pressure cold, and fit a replacement with at least the original load index. If the placard is in kilopascals, the kPa to PSI chart converts it, and the diameter difference between two tire sizes can be checked for a dual-motor car.
Staggered means no front-to-rear swap
Where the front and rear sizes differ (for example the Model S and Model X), tires cannot be swapped between axles. The Tesla Service Manual says the Model S Performance Plus tires, if non-directional, can be rotated side to side.
Summer tires and cold weather
The Tesla Service Manual marks summer tires such as the Pirelli P Zero 4 as not recommended for cold climates. Ask Tesla or a Tesla-approved tire shop for a size approved for winter use on your model.
Small diameter change between wheel sizes
On Tesla's own Model 3 sizes the 18, 19 and 20-inch tires are within about 0.7% overall diameter of each other (calculated), so changing between them has little effect on the speedometer.
Update the tire size in the car
After changing to a size not originally fitted, check your owner's manual for how to update the tire size, or ask Tesla Service.