275/60R18 vs 265/65R18

265/65R18 is 0.57 inches (1.8%) taller than 275/60R18 and 0.39 inches narrower. 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
+0.57″
265/65R18 vs 275/60R18
275/60R18265/65R18Difference
Overall diameter31.0″ 787 mm31.6″ 802 mm+0.57″ (+1.8%)
Section width10.8″ 275 mm10.4″ 265 mm−0.39″
Sidewall height6.50″ 165 mm6.78″ 172 mm+0.29″
Wheel (rim) diameter18″18″same
Circumference97.4″ 2473 mm99.2″ 2519 mm+1.8″
Revolutions per mile651639−12
Ground clearance+0.29″
275/60R1831.0″ × 10.8″31.0″265/65R1831.6″ × 10.4″31.6″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

265/65R18 is 0.57″ taller (1.8%) and 0.39″ narrower than 275/60R18. With a speedometer set up for 275/60R18, an indicated 60 mph is really 61.1 mph on 265/65R18, so the gauge reads 1.8% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.29″.

A 1.8% 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 265/65R18
30 mph30.6 mph
45 mph45.8 mph
60 mph61.1 mph
70 mph71.3 mph
80 mph81.5 mph

What changes when you switch to 265/65R18

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 265/65R18 than 275/60R18?

265/65R18 is 0.57 inches (1.8%) taller and 0.39 inches narrower: 31.6" × 10.4" versus 31.0" × 10.8".

Will 265/65R18 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 1.8%. Going from 275/60R18 to 265/65R18, an indicated 60 mph is about 61.1 mph.

Can I replace 275/60R18 with 265/65R18?

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 275/60R18 to 265/65R18?

Usually not for a 1.8% change. With 3.73 gears, the 265/65R18 acts like 3.66.

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