CarSpecsHQ

205/40R18 vs 265/35R18

265/35R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/40R18: the diameter differs by +3.46%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
205/40R18 24.46" · 265/35R18 25.30" · drawn to scale

Side by side

205/40R18265/35R18Difference
Overall diameter24.46"25.30"+0.85" (+3.46%)
Section width205 mm265 mm+60 mm
Sidewall3.23"3.65"+0.42"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference76.8"79.5"+2.7"
Revs per mile825797-28
Ride height——+0.42"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 265/35R18 on a car calibrated for 205/40R18, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.8 mph

Other sizes close to 205/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 205/40R18 with 265/35R18?

265/35R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 205/40R18: the diameter differs by +3.46%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 205/40R18 and 265/35R18?

265/35R18 is 0.85" taller and 60 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.42". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.1 mph.

Will 265/35R18 fit on 205/40R18 wheels?

Both use a 18" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 265 mm tire and the fender clearance.