245/40R18 vs 265/40R18

265/40R18 is 0.63 in (16.0 mm) taller than 245/40R18, a +2.45% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 245/40R18, an indicated 60 mph is 61.5 mph on 265/40R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +2.45%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 265/40R18 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 245/40R18. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

245/40R18 vs 265/40R18 differences
Measurement	245/40R18	265/40R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	25.72 in (653.2 mm)	26.35 in (669.2 mm)	+0.63 in (+16.0 mm)	+2.45%
Sidewall height	3.86 in (98.0 mm)	4.17 in (106.0 mm)	+0.31 in (+8.0 mm)	+8.16%
Section width	9.65 in (245.0 mm)	10.43 in (265.0 mm)	+0.79 in (+20.0 mm)	+8.16%
Circumference	80.79 in (2,052.1 mm)	82.77 in (2,102.4 mm)	+1.98 in (+50.3 mm)	+2.45%
Revolutions per mile	784	765	−19	−2.39%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 245/40R18
Indicated	Actual on 245/40R18	Actual on 265/40R18	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.7 mph	+0.7 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	61.5 mph	+1.5 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	76.8 mph	+1.8 mph

Ride-height change: 265/40R18 raises the vehicle by 0.31 in (8.0 mm) at the axle (half the +16.0 mm diameter difference).

265/40R18 is 0.63 in taller than 245/40R18 and 20 mm wider, a 2.45% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 245/40R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 61.5 mph on 265/40R18, and revolutions per mile change from 784 to 765.

Both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 245/40R18

Other comparisons with 265/40R18

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.