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265/70R18 vs LT285/70R17 tire size comparison

265/70R18LT285/70R17

LT285/70R17 is 0.1 in (0.31%) taller than 265/70R18 and 0.8 in wider. They fit different wheels: 265/70R18 an 18-inch wheel and LT285/70R17 a 17-inch wheel.

265/70R18 and LT285/70R17 side by side

+0.1 in / +0.31%265/70R18: 32.6 in tall, solid lineLT285/70R17: 32.7 in tall, dashed line265/70R18Width 10.4 in (265 mm)Sidewall 7.3 in (186 mm)LT285/70R17Width 11.2 in (285 mm)Sidewall 7.9 in (200 mm)
265/70R18 is drawn with a solid line and LT285/70R17 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 265/70R18 and LT285/70R17, with the difference (LT285/70R17 minus 265/70R18)
Measurement265/70R18LT285/70R17DifferenceDifference %
Section width10.4 in (265 mm)11.2 in (285 mm)+0.8 in (+20 mm)+7.55%
Sidewall height7.3 in (186 mm)7.9 in (200 mm)+0.6 in (+14 mm)+7.55%
Wheel (rim) diameter18.0 in (457 mm)17.0 in (432 mm)-1.0 in (-25 mm)-5.56%
Overall diameter32.6 in (828 mm)32.7 in (831 mm)+0.1 in (+3 mm)+0.31%
Circumference102.4 in (2602 mm)102.8 in (2610 mm)+0.4 in (+8 mm)+0.31%
Revolutions per mile619617-2-0.31%

Differences are LT285/70R17 minus 265/70R18; percentages are relative to 265/70R18. These are nominal design dimensions. Real tires vary by brand, tread depth, wheel width, load and pressure.

The overall diameter differs by 0.31%, 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 265/70R18, the actual speed on LT285/70R17 is about 60.2 mph. When it reads 60 mph on a vehicle built for LT285/70R17, the actual speed on 265/70R18 is about 59.8 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, 265/70R18 against LT285/70R17
Speedometer readsActual on LT285/70R17 (built for 265/70R18)Actual on 265/70R18 (built for LT285/70R17)
20 mph20.1 mph19.9 mph
30 mph30.1 mph29.9 mph
40 mph40.1 mph39.9 mph
50 mph50.2 mph49.8 mph
60 mph60.2 mph59.8 mph
70 mph70.2 mph69.8 mph
80 mph80.3 mph79.7 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.

Open this comparison in the calculator

Shop for 265/70R18 or LT285/70R17 tires

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Other comparisons with 265/70R18

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to 265/70R18 in overall diameter.

Other comparisons with LT285/70R17

Side-by-side dimensions and speedometer difference for sizes close to LT285/70R17 in overall diameter.

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