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Tire Size Comparison

275/65R18 vs 265/65R18

Switching from 275/65R18 to 265/65R18 changes overall diameter by -1.60% (32.07 in → 31.56 in).

-1.60%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 275/65R18, fitting 265/65R18 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.4 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h59.0 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h78.7 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.4 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h118.1 km/h75 mph73 mph

Full comparison

275/65R18
Overall diameter814.7 mm · 32.07 in
Section width275 mm · 10.83 in
Sidewall height178.8 mm · 7.04 in
Circumference2559.5 mm · 100.8 in
Revolutions per mile629
Revolutions per km391
265/65R18
Overall diameter801.7 mm · 31.56 in
Section width265 mm · 10.43 in
Sidewall height172.3 mm · 6.78 in
Circumference2518.6 mm · 99.2 in
Revolutions per mile639
Revolutions per km397
Original tire
New tire
-1.6%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
32.131.6
Original
Overall diameter814.7 mm · 32.07 in
Sidewall height178.8 mm
Circumference2,559.5 mm
Revolutions / mile628.8
New
Overall diameter801.7 mm · 31.56 in
Sidewall height172.3 mm
Circumference2,518.6 mm
Revolutions / mile639
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -1.6%. With a speedometer calibrated to the original tire, that same percentage is how far the speedometer and odometer read off — a taller tire means your true speed is higher than indicated and the odometer under-counts distance.

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.4 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h59 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h78.7 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.4 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h118.1 km/h75 mph73 mph

See individual specs: 275/65R18 · 265/65R18. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.