ElpiAuto

Tire size comparison

265/70R18 vs 37X12.50R18

37X12.50R18 is 4.39″ (112 mm) taller than 265/70R18, a 13.5% difference in overall diameter — outside the ±3% band, so expect the speedometer to drift and check for rubbing before fitting.

The sidewall heights are very different — ride and steering feel will change noticeably even though the diameter is close.

32.61″37.00″A  265/70R18B  37X12.50R18Both sizes to scale · dimension lines in inches
Measurement265/70R1837X12.50R18Difference%
Overall diameter32.61″37.00″+4.39″+13.5%
Section width10.43″12.50″+2.07″+19.8%
Sidewall height7.30″9.50″+2.20″+30.1%
Circumference102.44″116.24″+13.80″+13.5%
Revs per mile618.5545.1−73.5−11.9%
Revs per km384.3338.7−45.6−11.9%

Speedometer: with 265/70R18 as the original, 37X12.50R18 makes an indicated 60 mph really about 68.1 mph, and the axle sits ~2.20″ higher.

Reading this comparison

The overall diameter is what matters here: 37X12.50R18 is the taller tire. It sets ride height, gearing and how far the tire travels per revolution — which is what the speedometer and odometer count. Width and sidewall change fit and feel (a wider tire needs a wider wheel and more clearance; a shorter sidewall sharpens steering) but not the gearing.

Figures are geometric estimates from the size codes; real moulded tires vary by brand by 1–3%. Confirm load rating, wheel width and physical clearance on your vehicle before fitting. To compare any other two sizes, use the tire size comparison tool; to decode one size and see what else fits its wheel, the tire size calculator.

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