RC Tire Size Chart: Choosing Right Wheels & Tires

If you’re looking for the perfect wheels for your car, you’ll need the complete RC tire size for your reference. 

It’s easy to choose the wrong tire sizes due to the technical details involved. But understanding them is vital if you want to prevent damage to your RC car and void warranties, negatively affect speed and handling, and reduce run time significantly.

Thankfully, this guide covers all RC tire sizes from 1/10 to 1/8 scale with clear charts and compatibility information based on the hundreds of tire combinations we’ve tested across dozens of vehicle models over our 15+ years in RC racing. Let’s get started!

Complete RC Tire Size Chart

RC tire sizes range from 1.55" (39.37mm) to 3.8" (96.52mm), depending on your vehicle scale and type. The size refers to the inside diameter of the tire, which must match the outside diameter of your wheel within 0.5mm for proper fitment.

Vehicle Type	Scale	Front Tire	Rear Tire	Hex Size	Weight Range	Power Req
Micro Crawler	1/10	1.55" (39mm)	1.55" (39mm)	12mm	2-3 lbs	Low (2S-3S)
Crawler/Trail	1/10	1.9" (48mm)	1.9" (48mm)	12mm	3-5 lbs	Medium (2S-4S)
2WD Buggy	1/10	2.2" narrow (50mm)	2.2" wide (65mm)	12mm	3-4 lbs	Medium (2S-4S)
4WD Buggy	1/10	2.2" medium (58mm)	2.2" wide (65mm)	12mm	4-5 lbs	Medium (2S-4S)
Truck	1/10	2.2" (56mm)	2.2" (56mm)	12mm	4-6 lbs	Medium (2S-4S)
Short Course	1/10	2.2"/3.0" (56/76mm)	2.2"/3.0" (56/76mm)	12mm	5-7 lbs	High (3S-4S)
Monster Truck	1/10	2.8" (71mm)	2.8" (71mm)	12mm/14mm	6-9 lbs	High (3S-6S)
Buggy	1/8	3.3" (84mm)	3.3" (84mm)	17mm	7-9 lbs	High (4S-6S)
Truggy/Monster	1/8	3.8" (97mm)	3.8" (97mm)	17mm	8-12 lbs	Very High (6S+)

RC tire outside diameter varies considerably within the same size category, depending on sidewall height and manufacturer specifications. This measurement system works simply: a 2.2" (55.88mm) tire fits precisely on a 2.2" wheel.

When measuring existing tires, use digital calipers to measure the inside diameter where the tire sits on the wheel. Manual measurements with rulers are typically accurate within ±2mm, while digital tools provide better precision.

Browse our complete tire and wheel selection for all size options.

1/10 vs 1/8 Scale Comparison

Understanding the differences between 1/10 and 1/8 scale helps you choose the right setup and avoid common compatibility issues that affect many first-time buyers.

1/10 Scale Options

Most 1/10 scale vehicles use 2.2" (55.88mm) wheels with 12mm hex mounting, though 14mm hex is common for monster trucks exceeding 4 lbs in weight. Buggies, equipped with different front and rear tire widths, use narrower front tires for improved steering response at higher speeds.

1/10 Buggy tires: 2WD front (left), 4WD front (center), rear tire (right)

Trucks use equal-width tires front and rear, simplifying tire rotation and reducing inventory needs. Short course vehicles use special 2.2"/3.0" (55.88mm/76.2mm) tires that only fit short course wheels.

1/10 Truck tires showing equal front and rear widths

Short Course tires with unique 2.2"/3.0" sizing

The differences between 1/10 scale tire types become clear when compared side by side:

1/10 scale comparison: 2WD buggy front, 4WD buggy front, buggy rear, short course, and truck

1.9" (48.26mm) crawler tires provide the most scale-realistic proportions, closely matching full-scale truck proportions when calculated to 1/10 scale. 2.8" (71.12mm) monster truck tires offer significant additional ground clearance compared to standard 2.2" options.

1/8 Scale Standards

1/8 scale vehicles use larger tires with 17mm hex mounting exclusively. Racing buggies use 3.3" (83.82mm) tires front and rear, sizing that's become widely standardized across manufacturers. Truggies and monster trucks use larger 3.8" (96.52mm) tires for improved ground clearance.

1/8 scale comparison: Buggy tire (left) vs Truggy tire (right)

Unlike 1/10 buggies, 1/8 scale vehicles use identical tire sizes front and rear, eliminating width variations and allowing full tire rotation during longer races.

Performance Impact Data

1/8 scale tires typically require significantly more torque than 1/10 scale equivalents due to increased rotational mass. A typical 3.3" tire weighs 180-220g compared to 85-120g for 2.2" tires. This weight difference directly impacts acceleration, with 1/8 scale vehicles requiring considerably more power for equivalent performance.

Motor temperatures increase substantially when upgrading from 1/10 to 1/8 scale due to increased load. Battery consumption rises significantly for identical run times, typically requiring capacity increases from 3300mAh (1/10) to 5000mAh+ (1/8) batteries.

Check out our 1/10 scale tires and 1/8 scale options to see the complete selection.

1.9 Crawler Tire Size Information

1.9" (48.26mm) tires are used by most scale crawlers for optimal realism and climbing performance. Our extensive testing across various crawler chassis confirms this size provides an excellent balance of scale, accuracy, and technical capability.

Size Performance Characteristics

1.9" tires, mounted on 1/10 scale crawlers, provide better approach angles compared to 2.2" alternatives. The smaller diameter reduces center of gravity, improving side-hill stability in technical terrain.

2.2" (55.88mm) tires offer additional ground clearance but reduce scale realism when compared to full-scale proportions. Choose 2.2" when crawling obstacles regularly exceed standard trail conditions.

1.55" (39.37mm) micro crawler tires create ultra-realistic proportions matching smaller full-scale tires. These work best on lightweight vehicles where scale accuracy outweighs climbing capability.

Technical Specifications

Most crawler applications use 12mm hex mounting with offset ranging from 0mm to +6mm. Beadlock wheels, popular among serious crawlers, eliminate glue requirements and provide better tire retention under extreme angles.

Hex mounting comparison: 12mm hex (left) vs 14mm hex (right)

Pin mount system (less common in modern crawlers)

Bearing mount system for specialized applications

Zero offset keeps wheels closer to chassis centerline, improving side-hill stability. Positive offset (+3mm to +6mm) widens stance, increasing flat-ground stability but potentially reducing technical climbing capability.

Find the perfect setup in our crawler wheels and crawler vehicles collections.

RC Tire Size Reference Guide

Use this complete reference to identify the correct tire size for your specific vehicle and application. Vehicle manuals specify exact requirements, but most applications follow these standard configurations shown in the chart above.

Selection Verification Process

Vehicle manuals specify exact tire dimensions and offset requirements. Cross-reference manual specifications with our compatibility data to ensure proper fitment.

Compare new tires to current setup by measuring inside diameter with digital calipers. Note any performance characteristics you want to change. Diameter affects acceleration while width impacts cornering grip.

Buggy wheel offset: front rim (left) vs rear rim (right)

Truck wheels showing typical offset characteristics

Short course wheels with specialized offset design

1/10 scale wheel comparison: buggy front, buggy rear, truck, and short course

1/8 scale wheel comparison showing offset differences

Critical Compatibility Factors

1. Tire inside diameter must match the wheel outside diameter within 0.5mm for safe mounting
2. Hex size compatibility: 12mm (most 1/10), 14mm (heavy 1/10), 17mm (all 1/8)
3. Offset requirements vary by manufacturer and application
4. Wheel well clearance: adequate space needed during full suspension travel
5. Power system capacity: larger tires require significantly more torque

Common Sizing Errors

Cross-scale compatibility attempts cause many customer returns. 1/8 and 1/10 components use different mounting systems, power requirements, and structural designs.

Forcing incompatible sizes damages both tires and wheels. A 2.8" (71.12mm) tire cannot safely mount on a 2.2" (55.88mm) wheel due to significant diameter differences.

Hex mounting verification prevents many compatibility issues. While most 1/10 scale uses 12mm hex, monster trucks and heavy-duty applications require 14mm for adequate strength under high-power systems.

Browse our off-road tires and wheel options to find exactly what your vehicle needs, or contact our team for personalized recommendations based on your specific setup and driving requirements.

RC Tire Size Chart FAQs

How to read RC tire size?

Read RC tire size by identifying three key numbers: outer diameter × width – wheel diameter. For example, 2.2 × 1.0 – 1.9 means the tire is 2.2 inches tall, 1.0 inch wide, and fits a 1.9-inch wheel. These measurements guide compatibility and performance.

How do you convert tire sizes?

Convert tire sizes by matching outer diameter, width, and wheel diameter across brands or types. Use conversion charts or calipers to compare inch-based and metric units. Accurate conversion ensures proper fitment and maintains handling balance.

How are tire sizes calculated?

Tire sizes are calculated using the outer diameter, section width, and wheel diameter. In metric, the sidewall height is a percentage of the width. In standard RC formats, dimensions are given in inches as diameter × width – wheel size.

What do numbers mean on a tire size?

Numbers on a tire size represent the outer diameter, tire width, and wheel diameter. For example, in 2.8 × 1.5 – 2.2, 2.8 is the height, 1.5 is the width, and 2.2 is the wheel size. These values determine fit and performance.

Getting Your RC Tire Size Right

Start with your vehicle manual to identify exact tire size requirements, then measure your current tires using digital calipers if upgrading. The inside diameter measurement must match your new tire size exactly for safe mounting.

Before ordering wheels, verify hex mounting compatibility since most 1/10 scale uses 12mm hex while all 1/8 scale requires 17mm hex. For optimal performance, choose 1.9" wheels for scale crawlers, 2.2" wheels for 1/10 racing applications, or 3.3" wheels for 1/8 scale buggies.

Remember that larger tires require significantly more power, so verify your motor and ESC can handle the increased load. EuroRC stocks tested 1/10 scale wheels, 1/8 scale options, and specialized crawler wheels that we've verified for proper fitment.

Contact our technical team with your vehicle model and intended use for personalized tire size chart recommendations that match your setup perfectly.