245/60R18 vs 265/60R18

265/60R18 is 0.94 inches (3.2%) taller than 245/60R18 and 0.79 inches wider. Here are both sizes side by side, drawn to scale.

Last updated · Calculated from the sidewall code · Sources

Tire sizes

Type it as it appears on the sidewall: 275/60R20, LT265/70R17 or 33x12.50R20.

Difference in height
+0.94″
265/60R18 vs 245/60R18
245/60R18265/60R18Difference
Overall diameter29.6″ 751 mm30.5″ 775 mm+0.94″ (+3.2%)
Section width9.6″ 245 mm10.4″ 265 mm+0.79″
Sidewall height5.79″ 147 mm6.26″ 159 mm+0.47″
Wheel (rim) diameter18″18″same
Circumference92.9″ 2360 mm95.9″ 2435 mm+3.0″
Revolutions per mile682661−21
Ground clearance+0.47″
245/60R1829.6″ × 9.6″29.6″265/60R1830.5″ × 10.4″30.5″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

265/60R18 is 0.94″ taller (3.2%) and 0.79″ wider than 245/60R18. With a speedometer set up for 245/60R18, an indicated 60 mph is really 61.9 mph on 265/60R18, so the gauge reads 3.2% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.47″.

A 3.2% difference is more than the ±3% shops commonly use as a limit: plan to recalibrate the speedometer, check clearance (and lift or leveling needs), and consider regearing if it's a big jump.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 265/60R18
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.4 mph
60 mph61.9 mph
70 mph72.2 mph
80 mph82.6 mph

What changes when you switch to 265/60R18

Sizes are theoretical, from the sidewall code. The same size can differ by a few tenths of an inch between brands and tread patterns; check the maker’s spec sheet for the exact model.

Other comparisons

Frequently asked questions

How much bigger is 265/60R18 than 245/60R18?

265/60R18 is 0.94 inches (3.2%) taller and 0.79 inches wider: 30.5" × 10.4" versus 29.6" × 9.6".

Will 265/60R18 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 3.2%. Going from 245/60R18 to 265/60R18, an indicated 60 mph is about 61.9 mph.

Can I replace 245/60R18 with 265/60R18?

Possibly, but the height difference is over 3%, so check clearance and plan to recalibrate the speedometer. Both fit an 18" wheel; confirm the rim width, load index and clearance for your vehicle.

Do I need to regear going from 245/60R18 to 265/60R18?

Usually not for a 3.2% change. With 3.73 gears, the 265/60R18 acts like 3.61.

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