255/70R18 vs 275/65R18

275/65R18 is 0.02 inches (0.1%) taller than 255/70R18 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
+0.02″
275/65R18 vs 255/70R18
255/70R18275/65R18Difference
Overall diameter32.1″ 814 mm32.1″ 815 mm+0.02″ (+0.1%)
Section width10.0″ 255 mm10.8″ 275 mm+0.79″
Sidewall height7.03″ 179 mm7.04″ 179 mm+0.01″
Wheel (rim) diameter18″18″same
Circumference100.7″ 2558 mm100.8″ 2559 mm+0.1″
Revolutions per mile629629−0
Ground clearance+0.01″
255/70R1832.1″ × 10.0″32.1″275/65R1832.1″ × 10.8″32.1″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

275/65R18 is 0.02″ taller (0.1%) and 0.79″ wider than 255/70R18. Your speedometer stays accurate.

A 0.1% diameter difference is small: most people treat these sizes as interchangeable.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 275/65R18
30 mph30.0 mph
45 mph45.0 mph
60 mph60.0 mph
70 mph70.0 mph
80 mph80.0 mph

What changes when you switch to 275/65R18

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 275/65R18 than 255/70R18?

275/65R18 is 0.02 inches (0.1%) taller and 0.79 inches wider: 32.1" × 10.8" versus 32.1" × 10.0".

Will 275/65R18 change my speedometer?

No, the diameters are practically the same.

Can I replace 255/70R18 with 275/65R18?

Often, yes: the height difference is within the ±3% most tire shops accept. Both fit an 18" wheel; confirm the rim width, load index and clearance for your vehicle.

Do I need to regear going from 255/70R18 to 275/65R18?

Usually not for a 0.1% change. With 3.73 gears, the 275/65R18 acts like 3.73.

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