255/65R18 vs 255/70R18

255/70R18 is 1.00 inches (3.2%) taller than 255/65R18 and 0.00 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
+1.00″
255/70R18 vs 255/65R18
255/65R18255/70R18Difference
Overall diameter31.1″ 789 mm32.1″ 814 mm+1.00″ (+3.2%)
Section width10.0″ 255 mm10.0″ 255 mm±0.00″
Sidewall height6.53″ 166 mm7.03″ 179 mm+0.50″
Wheel (rim) diameter18″18″same
Circumference97.6″ 2478 mm100.7″ 2558 mm+3.2″
Revolutions per mile650629−20
Ground clearance+0.50″
255/65R1831.1″ × 10.0″31.1″255/70R1832.1″ × 10.0″32.1″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

255/70R18 is 1.00″ taller (3.2%) and 0.00″ wider than 255/65R18. With a speedometer set up for 255/65R18, an indicated 60 mph is really 61.9 mph on 255/70R18, so the gauge reads 3.2% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.50″.

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 255/70R18
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph61.9 mph
70 mph72.3 mph
80 mph82.6 mph

What changes when you switch to 255/70R18

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 255/70R18 than 255/65R18?

255/70R18 is 1.00 inches (3.2%) taller and 0.00 inches wider: 32.1" × 10.0" versus 31.1" × 10.0".

Will 255/70R18 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 3.2%. Going from 255/65R18 to 255/70R18, an indicated 60 mph is about 61.9 mph.

Can I replace 255/65R18 with 255/70R18?

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 255/65R18 to 255/70R18?

Usually not for a 3.2% change. With 3.73 gears, the 255/70R18 acts like 3.61.

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