275/70R17 vs 275/65R18

275/65R18 is 0.08 in (2.1 mm) shorter than 275/70R17, a −0.26% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 275/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is 59.8 mph on 275/65R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.26%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 275/65R18 is a near match for 275/70R17; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 275/70R17 (32.16 in) vs 275/65R18 (32.07 in)275/70R1732.16 in × 10.83 in275/65R1832.07 in × 10.83 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
275/70R17 vs 275/65R18 differences
Measurement275/70R17275/65R18Difference% diff
Overall diameter32.16 in (816.8 mm)32.07 in (814.7 mm)−0.08 in (−2.1 mm)−0.26%
Sidewall height7.58 in (192.5 mm)7.04 in (178.8 mm)−0.54 in (−13.7 mm)−7.14%
Section width10.83 in (275.0 mm)10.83 in (275.0 mm)0.00 in (0.0 mm)0.00%
Circumference101.03 in (2,566.1 mm)100.77 in (2,559.5 mm)−0.26 in (−6.6 mm)−0.26%
Revolutions per mile627629+2+0.26%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 275/70R17
IndicatedActual on 275/70R17Actual on 275/65R18Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.8 mph−0.2 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.8 mph−0.2 mph

Ride-height change: 275/65R18 lowers the vehicle by 0.04 in (1.0 mm) at the axle (half the −2.1 mm diameter difference).

275/65R18 is 0.08 in shorter than 275/70R17 and the same width, a 0.26% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 275/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.8 mph on 275/65R18, and revolutions per mile change from 627 to 629.

275/65R18 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 275/65R18

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.