275/55R20 vs 265/60R20

265/60R20 is 0.61 inches (1.9%) taller than 275/55R20 and 0.39 inches narrower. 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
+0.61″
265/60R20 vs 275/55R20
275/55R20265/60R20Difference
Overall diameter31.9″ 810 mm32.5″ 826 mm+0.61″ (+1.9%)
Section width10.8″ 275 mm10.4″ 265 mm−0.39″
Sidewall height5.95″ 151 mm6.26″ 159 mm+0.31″
Wheel (rim) diameter20″20″same
Circumference100.2″ 2546 mm102.2″ 2595 mm+1.9″
Revolutions per mile632620−12
Ground clearance+0.31″
275/55R2031.9″ × 10.8″31.9″265/60R2032.5″ × 10.4″32.5″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

265/60R20 is 0.61″ taller (1.9%) and 0.39″ narrower than 275/55R20. With a speedometer set up for 275/55R20, an indicated 60 mph is really 61.1 mph on 265/60R20, so the gauge reads 1.9% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.31″.

A 1.9% difference is within the ±3% that tire shops commonly accept without recalibrating the speedometer. Check clearance if the new tire is wider or taller.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 265/60R20
30 mph30.6 mph
45 mph45.9 mph
60 mph61.1 mph
70 mph71.3 mph
80 mph81.5 mph

What changes when you switch to 265/60R20

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 265/60R20 than 275/55R20?

265/60R20 is 0.61 inches (1.9%) taller and 0.39 inches narrower: 32.5" × 10.4" versus 31.9" × 10.8".

Will 265/60R20 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 1.9%. Going from 275/55R20 to 265/60R20, an indicated 60 mph is about 61.1 mph.

Can I replace 275/55R20 with 265/60R20?

Often, yes: the height difference is within the ±3% most tire shops accept. Both fit a 20" wheel; confirm the rim width, load index and clearance for your vehicle.

Do I need to regear going from 275/55R20 to 265/60R20?

Usually not for a 1.9% change. With 3.73 gears, the 265/60R20 acts like 3.66.

Related