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255/60R18 vs 265/55R19 tire size comparison

255/60R18265/55R19

265/55R19 is 0.5 in (1.43%) taller than 255/60R18 and 0.4 in wider. They fit different wheels: 255/60R18 an 18-inch wheel and 265/55R19 a 19-inch wheel.

255/60R18 and 265/55R19 side by side

+0.5 in / +1.43%255/60R18: 30.0 in tall, solid line265/55R19: 30.5 in tall, dashed line255/60R18Width 10.0 in (255 mm)Sidewall 6.0 in (153 mm)265/55R19Width 10.4 in (265 mm)Sidewall 5.7 in (146 mm)
255/60R18 is drawn with a solid line and 265/55R19 with a dashed line. In each drawing both tires are to the same scale; the tread shoulder and bead curves are simplified. The table below has the same numbers.
Dimensions of 255/60R18 and 265/55R19, with the difference (265/55R19 minus 255/60R18)
Measurement255/60R18265/55R19DifferenceDifference %
Section width10.0 in (255 mm)10.4 in (265 mm)+0.4 in (+10 mm)+3.92%
Sidewall height6.0 in (153 mm)5.7 in (146 mm)-0.3 in (-7 mm)-4.74%
Wheel (rim) diameter18.0 in (457 mm)19.0 in (483 mm)+1.0 in (+26 mm)+5.56%
Overall diameter30.0 in (763 mm)30.5 in (774 mm)+0.5 in (+11 mm)+1.43%
Circumference94.4 in (2398 mm)95.7 in (2432 mm)+1.3 in (+34 mm)+1.43%
Revolutions per mile671662-9-1.41%

Differences are 265/55R19 minus 255/60R18; percentages are relative to 255/60R18. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

The overall diameter differs by 1.43%, which is within the common 3% rule of thumb.

The rule of thumb keeps a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. It covers diameter only. It is not a fit, load or safety check, because width, wheel diameter, load capacity and clearance matter too. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Speedometer difference

When the speedometer reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 255/60R18, the actual speed on 265/55R19 is about 60.9 mph. When it reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for 265/55R19, the actual speed on 255/60R18 is about 59.2 mph. These figures assume the speedometer is accurate on the original size and use nominal dimensions, so treat them as estimates.

Actual speed for a given speedometer reading, 255/60R18 against 265/55R19
Speedometer readsActual on 265/55R19 (built for 255/60R18)Actual on 255/60R18 (built for 265/55R19)
20 mph20.3 mph19.7 mph
30 mph30.4 mph29.6 mph
40 mph40.6 mph39.4 mph
50 mph50.7 mph49.3 mph
60 mph60.9 mph59.2 mph
70 mph71.0 mph69.0 mph
80 mph81.1 mph78.9 mph

A common rule of thumb is to keep a replacement size within about 3% of the original overall diameter. Check the tire placard on the driver's door jamb and your owner's manual for the sizes your vehicle was built for. Confirm any size change with your vehicle's owner's manual or a tire professional.

Which vehicles use each size?

These vehicles list the size among their verified sizes, by trim. Open one to see all of its sizes.

Check it in the calculator

The calculator takes the same two sizes and shows the full comparison, or lets you swap either one for another size.

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Shop for 255/60R18 or 265/55R19 tires

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Other comparisons with 255/60R18

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 255/60R18 in overall diameter.

Other comparisons with 265/55R19

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 265/55R19 in overall diameter.

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