275/60R18 vs 265/65R18
New overall diameter
31.56″
was 30.99″
True speed at an indicated 60
61.1 mph
speedometer reads low
Revolutions per mile
639
was 651 · −12
Switching from 275/60R18 to 265/65R18? Everything that changes is below — sidewall, tread width, circumference, revolutions per mile and speedometer error at road speeds.
| Measurement | 275/60R18 | 265/65R18 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 30.99″ | 31.56″ | +0.57″ (+1.8%) |
| Sidewall height | 6.50″ (165.0 mm) | 6.78″ (172.3 mm) | +7.3 mm |
| Tread width | 275 mm | 265 mm | −10 mm |
| Circumference | 97.36″ | 99.16″ | +1.79″ |
| Revs per mile | 651 | 639 | −12 |
| Speedometer error | baseline | +1.8% | reads low |
Diameter overlay
275/60R18 265/65R18
Speedometer check
With 265/65R18 fitted, when the speedometer shows the indicated speed, your actual speed is:
25 mph shown
25.5 mph actual
35 mph shown
35.6 mph actual
45 mph shown
45.8 mph actual
55 mph shown
56.0 mph actual
65 mph shown
66.2 mph actual
75 mph shown
76.4 mph actual
Common questions
- Will 265/65R18 fit instead of 275/60R18?
- Good fit. Within the 3% rule — overall diameter changes only 1.8%. Speedometer calibration, ABS, traction control and gearing all stay in their intended range. Your speedometer will read lower than your true speed. Overall diameter goes from 30.99″ to 31.56″, a change of +1.8%. As a rule of thumb, under 3% is safe, 3–5% needs a clearance check, and over 5% is not recommended.
- How far off will my speedometer read on 265/65R18?
- At an indicated 60 mph you would actually be travelling about 61.1 mph — a +1.8% error. The speedometer reads low, so you are going faster than it shows.
- What is the difference in revolutions per mile between 275/60R18 and 265/65R18?
- 275/60R18 turns roughly 651 revolutions per mile; 265/65R18 turns roughly 639. That is a change of −12 revolutions per mile, which is what shifts odometer and speedometer readings.