275/60R17 vs 275/55R18

275/55R18 is 0.08 in (2.1 mm) shorter than 275/60R17, a −0.28% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 275/60R17, an indicated 60 mph is 59.8 mph on 275/55R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.28%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 275/55R18 is a near match for 275/60R17; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. 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.

275/60R17 vs 275/55R18 differences
Measurement	275/60R17	275/55R18	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	29.99 in (761.8 mm)	29.91 in (759.7 mm)	−0.08 in (−2.1 mm)	−0.28%
Sidewall height	6.50 in (165.0 mm)	5.95 in (151.3 mm)	−0.54 in (−13.7 mm)	−8.33%
Section width	10.83 in (275.0 mm)	10.83 in (275.0 mm)	0.00 in (0.0 mm)	0.00%
Circumference	94.22 in (2,393.3 mm)	93.96 in (2,386.7 mm)	−0.26 in (−6.6 mm)	−0.28%
Revolutions per mile	672	674	+2	+0.28%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 275/60R17
Indicated	Actual on 275/60R17	Actual on 275/55R18	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	29.9 mph	−0.1 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	59.8 mph	−0.2 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	74.8 mph	−0.2 mph

Ride-height change: 275/55R18 lowers the vehicle by 0.04 in (1.0 mm) at the axle (half the −2.1 mm diameter difference).

275/55R18 is 0.08 in shorter than 275/60R17 and the same width, a 0.28% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 275/60R17, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.8 mph on 275/55R18, and revolutions per mile change from 672 to 674.

275/55R18 mounts on a 18-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 17-inch wheel of 275/60R17.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 275/60R17

Other comparisons with 275/55R18

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