285/60R18 vs 33x12.50R18

33x12.50R18 is 1.54 in (39.0 mm) taller than 285/60R18, a +4.88% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 285/60R18, an indicated 60 mph is 62.9 mph on 33x12.50R18.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +4.88%: outside the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 33x12.50R18 falls outside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 285/60R18; speedometer and ride-height changes are larger. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 285/60R18 (31.46 in) vs 33x12.50R18 (33.00 in)285/60R1831.46 in × 11.22 in33x12.50R1833.00 in × 12.50 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
285/60R18 vs 33x12.50R18 differences
Measurement285/60R1833x12.50R18Difference% diff
Overall diameter31.46 in (799.2 mm)33.00 in (838.2 mm)+1.54 in (+39.0 mm)+4.88%
Sidewall height6.73 in (171.0 mm)7.50 in (190.5 mm)+0.77 in (+19.5 mm)+11.40%
Section width11.22 in (285.0 mm)12.50 in (317.5 mm)+1.28 in (+32.5 mm)+11.40%
Circumference98.85 in (2,510.8 mm)103.67 in (2,633.3 mm)+4.82 in (+122.5 mm)+4.88%
Revolutions per mile641611−30−4.65%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 285/60R18
IndicatedActual on 285/60R18Actual on 33x12.50R18Difference
30 mph30.0 mph31.5 mph+1.5 mph
60 mph60.0 mph62.9 mph+2.9 mph
75 mph75.0 mph78.7 mph+3.7 mph

Ride-height change: 33x12.50R18 raises the vehicle by 0.77 in (19.5 mm) at the axle (half the +39.0 mm diameter difference).

33x12.50R18 is 1.54 in taller than 285/60R18 and 33 mm wider, a 4.88% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 285/60R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 62.9 mph on 33x12.50R18, and revolutions per mile change from 641 to 611.

Both sizes mount on 18-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 285/60R18

Other comparisons with 33x12.50R18

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