275/70R18 vs 265/65R20
265/65R20 is taller than 275/70R18 by 1.22% — a diameter difference of 0.40″.
What changes between 275/70R18 and 265/65R20
Switching from 275/70R18 to 265/65R20 changes overall diameter by +1.22%, a taller tire by 0.40 inches. This lands inside the ±3% fitment safe zone, so most vehicles will accept the swap without rubbing, speedometer recalibration, or ABS/TPMS complications. Section width moves by -0.40″ (275mm → 265mm), which affects contact patch and fender-well clearance. Sidewall height shifts by -0.80″: a shorter sidewall sharpens steering response at the cost of ride comfort and rim protection. Revs per mile moves by -7, which translates directly to speedometer error — at an indicated 65 mph, actual speed becomes 65.8 mph. The swap also changes rim diameter from 18″ to 20″, meaning new wheels are required. Wheel cost typically dominates the total upsize budget.
| Spec | 275/70R18 | 265/65R20 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 33.16″ | 33.56″ |
| Section width | 10.83″ (275 mm) | 10.43″ (265 mm) |
| Sidewall height | 7.58″ (70%) | 6.78″ (65%) |
| Rim diameter | 18″ | 20″ |
| Circumference | 104.17″ | 105.44″ |
| Revs per mile | 608 | 601 |
Interactive comparison
275/65R18 or "33" for inch aliases275/70R18
- Diameter
- 33.16″ / 842.2mm
- Section Width
- 10.83″
- Sidewall
- 7.58″ / 192.5mm
- Circumference
- 104.17″
- Revs/Mile
- 608
265/65R20
- Diameter
- 33.56″ / 852.5mm
- Section Width
- 10.43″
- Sidewall
- 6.78″ / 172.25mm
- Circumference
- 105.44″
- Revs/Mile
- 601
Speedometer & Diameter Impact
Different rim — new wheels requiredAt an indicated 60 mph, your actual speed is 60.73 mph (97.74 km/h). Your speedometer reads 1.22% low versus actual speed.