275/50R20 vs 275/55R20

275/55R20 is 1.08 inches (3.5%) taller than 275/50R20 and 0.00 inches wider. Here are both sizes side by side, drawn to scale.

Last updated · Calculated from the sidewall code · Sources

Tire sizes

Type it as it appears on the sidewall: 275/60R20, LT265/70R17 or 33x12.50R20.

Difference in height
+1.08″
275/55R20 vs 275/50R20
275/50R20275/55R20Difference
Overall diameter30.8″ 783 mm31.9″ 810 mm+1.08″ (+3.5%)
Section width10.8″ 275 mm10.8″ 275 mm±0.00″
Sidewall height5.41″ 138 mm5.95″ 151 mm+0.54″
Wheel (rim) diameter20″20″same
Circumference96.8″ 2460 mm100.2″ 2546 mm+3.4″
Revolutions per mile654632−22
Ground clearance+0.54″
275/50R2030.8″ × 10.8″30.8″275/55R2031.9″ × 10.8″31.9″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

275/55R20 is 1.08″ taller (3.5%) and 0.00″ wider than 275/50R20. With a speedometer set up for 275/50R20, an indicated 60 mph is really 62.1 mph on 275/55R20, so the gauge reads 3.5% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.54″.

A 3.5% difference is more than the ±3% shops commonly use as a limit: plan to recalibrate the speedometer, check clearance (and lift or leveling needs), and consider regearing if it's a big jump.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 275/55R20
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.5 mph
80 mph82.8 mph

What changes when you switch to 275/55R20

Sizes are theoretical, from the sidewall code. The same size can differ by a few tenths of an inch between brands and tread patterns; check the maker’s spec sheet for the exact model.

Other comparisons

Frequently asked questions

How much bigger is 275/55R20 than 275/50R20?

275/55R20 is 1.08 inches (3.5%) taller and 0.00 inches wider: 31.9" × 10.8" versus 30.8" × 10.8".

Will 275/55R20 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 3.5%. Going from 275/50R20 to 275/55R20, an indicated 60 mph is about 62.1 mph.

Can I replace 275/50R20 with 275/55R20?

Possibly, but the height difference is over 3%, so check clearance and plan to recalibrate the speedometer. Both fit a 20" wheel; confirm the rim width, load index and clearance for your vehicle.

Do I need to regear going from 275/50R20 to 275/55R20?

Usually not for a 3.5% change. With 3.73 gears, the 275/55R20 acts like 3.60.

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