275/70R17 vs 265/70R18

265/70R18 is 0.45 in (11.4 mm) taller than 275/70R17, a +1.40% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 275/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is 60.8 mph on 265/70R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.40%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 265/70R18 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 275/70R17. 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.

275/70R17 vs 265/70R18 differences
Measurement	275/70R17	265/70R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	32.16 in (816.8 mm)	32.61 in (828.2 mm)	+0.45 in (+11.4 mm)	+1.40%
Sidewall height	7.58 in (192.5 mm)	7.30 in (185.5 mm)	−0.28 in (−7.0 mm)	−3.64%
Section width	10.83 in (275.0 mm)	10.43 in (265.0 mm)	−0.39 in (−10.0 mm)	−3.64%
Circumference	101.03 in (2,566.1 mm)	102.44 in (2,601.9 mm)	+1.41 in (+35.8 mm)	+1.40%
Revolutions per mile	627	619	−9	−1.38%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 275/70R17
Indicated	Actual on 275/70R17	Actual on 265/70R18	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.4 mph	+0.4 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.8 mph	+0.8 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	76.0 mph	+1.0 mph

Ride-height change: 265/70R18 raises the vehicle by 0.22 in (5.7 mm) at the axle (half the +11.4 mm diameter difference).

265/70R18 is 0.45 in taller than 275/70R17 and 10 mm narrower, a 1.40% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 275/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.8 mph on 265/70R18, and revolutions per mile change from 627 to 619.

265/70R18 mounts on a 18-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 17-inch wheel of 275/70R17.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 275/70R17

Other comparisons with 265/70R18

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