CarSpecsHQ

225/40R18 vs 265/40R18

265/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/40R18: the diameter differs by +5.02%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

18" rim
225/40R18 25.09" · 265/40R18 26.35" · drawn to scale

Side by side

225/40R18265/40R18Difference
Overall diameter25.09"26.35"+1.26" (+5.02%)
Section width225 mm265 mm+40 mm
Sidewall3.54"4.17"+0.63"
Rim18"18"same
Circumference78.8"82.8"+4.0"
Revs per mile804765-38
Ride height——+0.63"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 265/40R18 on a car calibrated for 225/40R18, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.5 mph
80 mph84.0 mph

Other sizes close to 225/40R18

Questions

Can I replace 225/40R18 with 265/40R18?

265/40R18 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 225/40R18: the diameter differs by +5.02%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 225/40R18 and 265/40R18?

265/40R18 is 1.26" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.63". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 265/40R18 fit on 225/40R18 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.