My Tire Guide

265/60R18 vs 265/65R18

265/65R18 is 1.04 inches taller than 265/60R18 and the same width.

+3.4% height. Outside the usual 3% rule: the speedometer and ride height change noticeably.

265/60R18265/65R18
Measurement265/60R18265/65R18Difference
Overall height30.5 in31.6 in+1.04 in (+3.4%)
Section width10.4 in10.4 in±0.00 in (±0 mm)
Sidewall height6.3 in6.8 in+0.52 in
Circumference95.9 in99.2 in+3.3 in
Revolutions per mile661639−22
Ride height+0.52 in

Speedometer

With 265/65R18 fitted, a speedometer set up for 265/60R18 shows the first number when you are really doing the second.

The two sizes

265/60R18 is 30.5 inches tall with a 6.3-inch sidewall. 265/65R18 is 31.6 inches tall with a 6.8-inch sidewall. A taller sidewall rides softer and gives more ground clearance; a shorter one turns in more sharply. Try other pairs in the tire size calculator.

More comparisons

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/60R18 or 265/65R18?

265/65R18 is taller: 31.6 inches against 30.5. They are the same width.

Can I replace 265/60R18 with 265/65R18?

It is 3.4% taller, outside the usual 3% rule, so expect a noticeable speedometer change and check for rubbing at full lock and full suspension travel.

How much does the speedometer change?

With 265/65R18 on a vehicle set up for 265/60R18, the speedometer shows 60 mph at a true 62.1 mph, and 70 at 72.4.