Tire Size Box

285/40R18 vs 265/45R18

265/45R18 compared with 285/40R18

+1.5% diameter, −0.8" width

265/45R18 is 27.39" tall vs 26.98". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

27.0"18" rim4.5"11.2" wide
285/40R18 (solid) compared with 265/45R18 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/45R18 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

60.9 mph

265/45R18 is +0.41 inches (+1.5%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

285/40R18265/45R18Difference%
Overall diameter26.98"27.39"+0.41"+1.5%
Section width11.22"10.43"−0.79"−7.0%
Sidewall height4.49"4.69"+0.21"+4.6%
Circumference84.75"86.05"+1.30"+1.5%
Revolutions per mile747.6736.3−11.3−1.5%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 285/40R18 and you fit 265/45R18, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.3 mph+0.3 mph
30 mph30.5 mph+0.5 mph
40 mph40.6 mph+0.6 mph
50 mph50.8 mph+0.8 mph
60 mph60.9 mph+0.9 mph
65 mph66.0 mph+1.0 mph
70 mph71.1 mph+1.1 mph
75 mph76.1 mph+1.1 mph
80 mph81.2 mph+1.2 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 285/40R18 or 265/45R18?
265/45R18 is taller by 0.41 inches (27.39" vs 26.98"). 285/40R18 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 285/40R18 with 265/45R18?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +1.5%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 265/45R18 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/45R18 fitted (calibrated for 285/40R18), your real speed is 60.9 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 1.5%.
Will 265/45R18 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.21 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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