275/50R20 vs 265/60R18
265/60R18 has an overall diameter of 775.2 mm (30.52") compared with 783.0 mm (30.83") for 275/50R20, a difference of -7.8 mm (-1.00 %). The sidewall changes by +21.5 mm, section width by -10 mm and ride height by -3.9 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 275/50R20 turns 419 times per kilometre and 265/60R18 turns 423 times. With 265/60R18 fitted to a car calibrated for 275/50R20, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 99 km/h, and the odometer records 101 km for every 100 km driven. This is within the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 275/50R20 | 265/60R18 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 275 mm | 265 mm | -10 mm |
| Sidewall height | 137.5 mm | 159.0 mm | +21.5 mm |
| Rim diameter | 20" | 18" | -2.0" |
| Overall diameter | 783.0 mm (30.83") | 775.2 mm (30.52") | -7.8 mm (-1.00 %) |
| Static circumference | 2460 mm | 2435 mm | -25 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2388 mm | 2364 mm | -24 mm |
| Revs per km | 419 | 423 | +4 |
| Ride height | -3.9 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 30.8×10.8R20 | 30.5×10.4R18 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 7.5″–9.5″ | 7.5″–9″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 39.6 | 49.5 | 59.4 | 79.2 | 99.0 | 108.9 |
| Error (km/h) | -0.4 | -0.5 | -0.6 | -0.8 | -1.0 | -1.1 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 275/50R20. Odometer records 101.0 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 265/60R18 is 7.8 mm (1 %) smaller in diameter, so your speedo will read high and your odometer will over-record distance.
- Section width changes by -10 mm. Check guard, strut and inner-arch clearance and that the rim width is within the approved range for the new tyre.
- Rim diameter changes from 20" to 18", so new wheels are required.
Is 265/60R18 legal in Australia? More info needed
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) Diameter change of -7.8 mm is within the +15 mm / -26 mm allowance for a passenger car (MA/MB) (measured against the largest size the manufacturer designates for the model). | OK |
| Speedometer (ADR 18/03) A smaller tyre makes the speedo read high: at an indicated 100 km/h you would be doing 99.0 km/h (over-read 1.0 km/h; ADR 18 allows up to 13.9 km/h at that speed). | OK |
| Load index (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard load index and the replacement tyre load index to check. | ? |
| Speed rating (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard speed rating and the replacement tyre speed rating to check. | ? |
Frequently asked
Can I fit 265/60R18 instead of 275/50R20?
Overall diameter changes by -7.8 mm (-1.00 %). That is within the usual 3 % rule of thumb, so it is generally an acceptable swap provided the load index and speed rating meet your tyre placard and the tyre suits your rim width. In Australia VSB 14 allows up to +15 mm for passenger cars and +50 mm for 4WDs/goods vehicles without certification.
How much will my speedo be out with 265/60R18?
Your speedo will read high by about 1.00 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 99 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 108.9 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 265/60R18?
Static circumference is 2435 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 2364 mm, which is 423 revolutions per kilometre.
265/60R18 in inches
265/60R18 is approximately 30.5×10.4R18: 30.5" tall, 10.4" wide, on a 18" rim, with a 6.3" sidewall.
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