265/65R18 vs 265/70R18

265/70R18 is 1.04 inches (3.3%) taller than 265/65R18 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
+1.04″
265/70R18 vs 265/65R18
265/65R18265/70R18Difference
Overall diameter31.6″ 802 mm32.6″ 828 mm+1.04″ (+3.3%)
Section width10.4″ 265 mm10.4″ 265 mm±0.00″
Sidewall height6.78″ 172 mm7.30″ 186 mm+0.52″
Wheel (rim) diameter18″18″same
Circumference99.2″ 2519 mm102.4″ 2602 mm+3.3″
Revolutions per mile639619−20
Ground clearance+0.52″
265/65R1831.6″ × 10.4″31.6″265/70R1832.6″ × 10.4″32.6″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

265/70R18 is 1.04″ taller (3.3%) and 0.00″ wider than 265/65R18. With a speedometer set up for 265/65R18, an indicated 60 mph is really 62.0 mph on 265/70R18, so the gauge reads 3.3% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.52″.

A 3.3% 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 265/70R18
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.0 mph
70 mph72.3 mph
80 mph82.6 mph

What changes when you switch to 265/70R18

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 265/70R18 than 265/65R18?

265/70R18 is 1.04 inches (3.3%) taller and 0.00 inches wider: 32.6" × 10.4" versus 31.6" × 10.4".

Will 265/70R18 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 3.3%. Going from 265/65R18 to 265/70R18, an indicated 60 mph is about 62.0 mph.

Can I replace 265/65R18 with 265/70R18?

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 265/65R18 to 265/70R18?

Usually not for a 3.3% change. With 3.73 gears, the 265/70R18 acts like 3.61.

Related