255/65R18 vs 275/65R18

275/65R18 is 1.02 in (26.0 mm) taller than 255/65R18, a +3.30% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 255/65R18, an indicated 60 mph is 62.0 mph on 275/65R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +3.30%: outside the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 275/65R18 falls outside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 255/65R18; speedometer and ride-height changes are larger. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

255/65R18 vs 275/65R18 differences
Measurement	255/65R18	275/65R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	31.05 in (788.7 mm)	32.07 in (814.7 mm)	+1.02 in (+26.0 mm)	+3.30%
Sidewall height	6.53 in (165.8 mm)	7.04 in (178.8 mm)	+0.51 in (+13.0 mm)	+7.84%
Section width	10.04 in (255.0 mm)	10.83 in (275.0 mm)	+0.79 in (+20.0 mm)	+7.84%
Circumference	97.55 in (2,477.8 mm)	100.77 in (2,559.5 mm)	+3.22 in (+81.7 mm)	+3.30%
Revolutions per mile	650	629	−21	−3.19%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 255/65R18
Indicated	Actual on 255/65R18	Actual on 275/65R18	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	31.0 mph	+1.0 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	62.0 mph	+2.0 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	77.5 mph	+2.5 mph

Ride-height change: 275/65R18 raises the vehicle by 0.51 in (13.0 mm) at the axle (half the +26.0 mm diameter difference).

275/65R18 is 1.02 in taller than 255/65R18 and 20 mm wider, a 3.30% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 255/65R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 62.0 mph on 275/65R18, and revolutions per mile change from 650 to 629.

Both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 255/65R18

Other comparisons with 275/65R18

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.