215/85R16 vs 265/60R18

265/60R18 is 0.13 in (3.3 mm) taller than 215/85R16, a +0.43% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 215/85R16, an indicated 60 mph is 60.3 mph on 265/60R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.43%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 265/60R18 is a near match for 215/85R16; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 215/85R16 (30.39 in) vs 265/60R18 (30.52 in)215/85R1630.39 in × 8.46 in265/60R1830.52 in × 10.43 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
215/85R16 vs 265/60R18 differences
Measurement215/85R16265/60R18Difference% diff
Overall diameter30.39 in (771.9 mm)30.52 in (775.2 mm)+0.13 in (+3.3 mm)+0.43%
Sidewall height7.19 in (182.8 mm)6.26 in (159.0 mm)−0.94 in (−23.7 mm)−13.00%
Section width8.46 in (215.0 mm)10.43 in (265.0 mm)+1.97 in (+50.0 mm)+23.26%
Circumference95.47 in (2,425.0 mm)95.88 in (2,435.4 mm)+0.41 in (+10.4 mm)+0.43%
Revolutions per mile664661−3−0.43%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 215/85R16
IndicatedActual on 215/85R16Actual on 265/60R18Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.1 mph+0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.3 mph+0.3 mph
75 mph75.0 mph75.3 mph+0.3 mph

Ride-height change: 265/60R18 raises the vehicle by 0.06 in (1.7 mm) at the axle (half the +3.3 mm diameter difference).

265/60R18 is 0.13 in taller than 215/85R16 and 50 mm wider, a 0.43% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 215/85R16, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.3 mph on 265/60R18, and revolutions per mile change from 664 to 661.

265/60R18 mounts on a 18-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 16-inch wheel of 215/85R16.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 215/85R16

Other comparisons with 265/60R18

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