tire sizing question-general

[Ldub]

I have 265/70/18 on stock rims. Looking at replacing tires, but not all brands come in this size. I can't go taller, but think I could/should go wider (the 3" lift makes handling a might squirrely). Is 265 my height and 70 my width? is 65 or wider or narrower tire? is 270 a taller or shorter tire?

Metric tire sizes are expressed in width (265 mm) x percentage of width (70 = 70% of 265 mm = 185.5mm) x diameter of wheel (18")

The higher the second number, the taller the sidewall.

That's why 50 series tires have a low profile,(50% of tread width = lower sidewall height) & 75 series tires have a higher profile. (75% of tread width = taller sidewall)

[Ldub]

Cue up the general dissertation...