275/65R18 vs 285/65R18

285/65R18 is 0.51 inches (1.6%) taller than 275/65R18 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″
285/65R18 vs 275/65R18
275/65R18285/65R18Difference
Overall diameter32.1″ 815 mm32.6″ 828 mm+0.51″ (+1.6%)
Section width10.8″ 275 mm11.2″ 285 mm+0.39″
Sidewall height7.04″ 179 mm7.29″ 185 mm+0.26″
Wheel (rim) diameter18″18″same
Circumference100.8″ 2559 mm102.4″ 2600 mm+1.6″
Revolutions per mile629619−10
Ground clearance+0.26″
275/65R1832.1″ × 10.8″32.1″285/65R1832.6″ × 11.2″32.6″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

285/65R18 is 0.51″ taller (1.6%) and 0.39″ wider than 275/65R18. With a speedometer set up for 275/65R18, an indicated 60 mph is really 61.0 mph on 285/65R18, 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 285/65R18
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 285/65R18

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 285/65R18 than 275/65R18?

285/65R18 is 0.51 inches (1.6%) taller and 0.39 inches wider: 32.6" × 11.2" versus 32.1" × 10.8".

Will 285/65R18 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 1.6%. Going from 275/65R18 to 285/65R18, an indicated 60 mph is about 61.0 mph.

Can I replace 275/65R18 with 285/65R18?

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 275/65R18 to 285/65R18?

Usually not for a 1.6% change. With 3.73 gears, the 285/65R18 acts like 3.67.

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