TireSizesFinder

295/70R17 vs 265/70R18

265/70R18 is 0.65 in (16.6 mm) shorter than 295/70R17, a −1.96% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 295/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is 58.8 mph on 265/70R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −1.96%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 265/70R18 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 295/70R17. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 295/70R17 (33.26 in) vs 265/70R18 (32.61 in)295/70R1733.26 in × 11.61 in265/70R1832.61 in × 10.43 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
295/70R17 vs 265/70R18 differences
Measurement295/70R17265/70R18Difference% diff
Overall diameter33.26 in (844.8 mm)32.61 in (828.2 mm)−0.65 in (−16.6 mm)−1.96%
Sidewall height8.13 in (206.5 mm)7.30 in (185.5 mm)−0.83 in (−21.0 mm)−10.17%
Section width11.61 in (295.0 mm)10.43 in (265.0 mm)−1.18 in (−30.0 mm)−10.17%
Circumference104.49 in (2,654.0 mm)102.44 in (2,601.9 mm)−2.05 in (−52.2 mm)−1.96%
Revolutions per mile606619+12+2.00%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 295/70R17
IndicatedActual on 295/70R17Actual on 265/70R18Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.4 mph−0.6 mph
60 mph60.0 mph58.8 mph−1.2 mph
75 mph75.0 mph73.5 mph−1.5 mph

Ride-height change: 265/70R18 lowers the vehicle by 0.33 in (8.3 mm) at the axle (half the −16.6 mm diameter difference).

265/70R18 is 0.65 in shorter than 295/70R17 and 30 mm narrower, a 1.96% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 295/70R17, an indicated 60 mph is actually 58.8 mph on 265/70R18, and revolutions per mile change from 606 to 619.

265/70R18 mounts on a 18-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 17-inch wheel of 295/70R17.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 295/70R17

Other comparisons with 265/70R18

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