275/55R20 vs 285/55R20

285/55R20 is 0.43 inches (1.4%) taller than 275/55R20 and 0.39 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
+0.43″
285/55R20 vs 275/55R20
275/55R20285/55R20Difference
Overall diameter31.9″ 810 mm32.3″ 822 mm+0.43″ (+1.4%)
Section width10.8″ 275 mm11.2″ 285 mm+0.39″
Sidewall height5.95″ 151 mm6.17″ 157 mm+0.22″
Wheel (rim) diameter20″20″same
Circumference100.2″ 2546 mm101.6″ 2581 mm+1.4″
Revolutions per mile632624−8
Ground clearance+0.22″
275/55R2031.9″ × 10.8″31.9″285/55R2032.3″ × 11.2″32.3″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

285/55R20 is 0.43″ taller (1.4%) and 0.39″ wider than 275/55R20. With a speedometer set up for 275/55R20, an indicated 60 mph is really 60.8 mph on 285/55R20, so the gauge reads 1.4% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.22″.

A 1.4% 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 285/55R20
30 mph30.4 mph
45 mph45.6 mph
60 mph60.8 mph
70 mph71.0 mph
80 mph81.1 mph

What changes when you switch to 285/55R20

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 285/55R20 than 275/55R20?

285/55R20 is 0.43 inches (1.4%) taller and 0.39 inches wider: 32.3" × 11.2" versus 31.9" × 10.8".

Will 285/55R20 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 1.4%. Going from 275/55R20 to 285/55R20, an indicated 60 mph is about 60.8 mph.

Can I replace 275/55R20 with 285/55R20?

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 285/55R20?

Usually not for a 1.4% change. With 3.73 gears, the 285/55R20 acts like 3.68.

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