265/65R18 vs 275/65R18

275/65R18 is 0.51 inches (1.6%) taller than 265/65R18 and 0.39 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
+0.51″
275/65R18 vs 265/65R18
265/65R18275/65R18Difference
Overall diameter31.6″ 802 mm32.1″ 815 mm+0.51″ (+1.6%)
Section width10.4″ 265 mm10.8″ 275 mm+0.39″
Sidewall height6.78″ 172 mm7.04″ 179 mm+0.26″
Wheel (rim) diameter18″18″same
Circumference99.2″ 2519 mm100.8″ 2559 mm+1.6″
Revolutions per mile639629−10
Ground clearance+0.26″
265/65R1831.6″ × 10.4″31.6″275/65R1832.1″ × 10.8″32.1″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

275/65R18 is 0.51″ taller (1.6%) and 0.39″ wider than 265/65R18. With a speedometer set up for 265/65R18, an indicated 60 mph is really 61.0 mph on 275/65R18, so the gauge reads 1.6% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.26″.

A 1.6% difference is within the ±3% that tire shops commonly accept without recalibrating the speedometer. Check clearance if the new tire is wider or taller.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 275/65R18
30 mph30.5 mph
45 mph45.7 mph
60 mph61.0 mph
70 mph71.1 mph
80 mph81.3 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 265/65R18?

275/65R18 is 0.51 inches (1.6%) taller and 0.39 inches wider: 32.1" × 10.8" versus 31.6" × 10.4".

Will 275/65R18 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 1.6%. Going from 265/65R18 to 275/65R18, an indicated 60 mph is about 61.0 mph.

Can I replace 265/65R18 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 265/65R18 to 275/65R18?

Usually not for a 1.6% change. With 3.73 gears, the 275/65R18 acts like 3.67.

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