265/40R18 vs 275/40R18

275/40R18 is 0.31 in (8.0 mm) taller than 265/40R18, a +1.20% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/40R18, an indicated 60 mph is 60.7 mph on 275/40R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.20%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 275/40R18 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 265/40R18. 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.

265/40R18 vs 275/40R18 differences
Measurement	265/40R18	275/40R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	26.35 in (669.2 mm)	26.66 in (677.2 mm)	+0.31 in (+8.0 mm)	+1.20%
Sidewall height	4.17 in (106.0 mm)	4.33 in (110.0 mm)	+0.16 in (+4.0 mm)	+3.77%
Section width	10.43 in (265.0 mm)	10.83 in (275.0 mm)	+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)	+3.77%
Circumference	82.77 in (2,102.4 mm)	83.76 in (2,127.5 mm)	+0.99 in (+25.1 mm)	+1.20%
Revolutions per mile	765	756	−9	−1.18%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/40R18
Indicated	Actual on 265/40R18	Actual on 275/40R18	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.4 mph	+0.4 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.7 mph	+0.7 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	75.9 mph	+0.9 mph

Ride-height change: 275/40R18 raises the vehicle by 0.16 in (4.0 mm) at the axle (half the +8.0 mm diameter difference).

275/40R18 is 0.31 in taller than 265/40R18 and 10 mm wider, a 1.20% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/40R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.7 mph on 275/40R18, and revolutions per mile change from 765 to 756.

Both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 265/40R18

Other comparisons with 275/40R18

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