285/65R18 vs 275/70R18

275/70R18 is 0.57 inches (1.8%) taller than 285/65R18 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″
275/70R18 vs 285/65R18
285/65R18275/70R18Difference
Overall diameter32.6″ 828 mm33.2″ 842 mm+0.57″ (+1.8%)
Section width11.2″ 285 mm10.8″ 275 mm−0.39″
Sidewall height7.29″ 185 mm7.58″ 193 mm+0.29″
Wheel (rim) diameter18″18″same
Circumference102.4″ 2600 mm104.2″ 2646 mm+1.8″
Revolutions per mile619608−11
Ground clearance+0.29″
285/65R1832.6″ × 11.2″32.6″275/70R1833.2″ × 10.8″33.2″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

275/70R18 is 0.57″ taller (1.8%) and 0.39″ narrower than 285/65R18. With a speedometer set up for 285/65R18, an indicated 60 mph is really 61.1 mph on 275/70R18, 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 275/70R18
30 mph30.5 mph
45 mph45.8 mph
60 mph61.1 mph
70 mph71.2 mph
80 mph81.4 mph

What changes when you switch to 275/70R18

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 275/70R18 than 285/65R18?

275/70R18 is 0.57 inches (1.8%) taller and 0.39 inches narrower: 33.2" × 10.8" versus 32.6" × 11.2".

Will 275/70R18 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 1.8%. Going from 285/65R18 to 275/70R18, an indicated 60 mph is about 61.1 mph.

Can I replace 285/65R18 with 275/70R18?

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 285/65R18 to 275/70R18?

Usually not for a 1.8% change. With 3.73 gears, the 275/70R18 acts like 3.67.

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