TireSizeCheck

305/70R17 vs 305/60R18

Fit verdict

Marginal fit — proceed with care

Diameter change

−4.1%

The 4.1% diameter change is between 3% and 5%. It can work, but expect noticeable speedometer error and check wheel-well clearance, scrub radius and gearing before committing. Your speedometer will read higher than your true speed.

New overall diameter

32.41″

was 33.81″

True speed at an indicated 60

57.5 mph

speedometer reads high

Revolutions per mile

622

was 596 · +26

Switching from 305/70R17 to 305/60R18? Everything that changes is below — sidewall, tread width, circumference, revolutions per mile and speedometer error at road speeds.

Measurement 305/70R17 305/60R18 Change
Overall diameter 33.81″ 32.41″ −1.40″ (−4.1%)
Sidewall height 8.41″ (213.5 mm) 7.20″ (183.0 mm) −30.5 mm
Tread width 305 mm 305 mm +0 mm
Circumference 106.22″ 101.82″ −4.40″
Revs per mile 596 622 +26
Speedometer error baseline −4.1% reads high

Diameter overlay

305/70R17 305/60R18

Speedometer check

With 305/60R18 fitted, when the speedometer shows the indicated speed, your actual speed is:

25 mph shown

24.0 mph actual

35 mph shown

33.5 mph actual

45 mph shown

43.1 mph actual

55 mph shown

52.7 mph actual

65 mph shown

62.3 mph actual

75 mph shown

71.9 mph actual

Common questions

Will 305/60R18 fit instead of 305/70R17?
Marginal fit — proceed with care. The 4.1% diameter change is between 3% and 5%. It can work, but expect noticeable speedometer error and check wheel-well clearance, scrub radius and gearing before committing. Your speedometer will read higher than your true speed. Overall diameter goes from 33.81″ to 32.41″, a change of −4.1%. 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 305/60R18?
At an indicated 60 mph you would actually be travelling about 57.5 mph — a −4.1% error. The speedometer reads high, so you are going slower than it shows.
What is the difference in revolutions per mile between 305/70R17 and 305/60R18?
305/70R17 turns roughly 596 revolutions per mile; 305/60R18 turns roughly 622. That is a change of +26 revolutions per mile, which is what shifts odometer and speedometer readings.