275/55R20 vs 305/50R20

305/50R20 is 0.10 inches (0.3%) taller than 275/55R20 and 1.18 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
+0.10″
305/50R20 vs 275/55R20
275/55R20305/50R20Difference
Overall diameter31.9″ 810 mm32.0″ 813 mm+0.10″ (+0.3%)
Section width10.8″ 275 mm12.0″ 305 mm+1.18″
Sidewall height5.95″ 151 mm6.00″ 153 mm+0.05″
Wheel (rim) diameter20″20″same
Circumference100.2″ 2546 mm100.6″ 2554 mm+0.3″
Revolutions per mile632630−2
Ground clearance+0.05″
275/55R2031.9″ × 10.8″31.9″305/50R2032.0″ × 12.0″32.0″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

305/50R20 is 0.10″ taller (0.3%) and 1.18″ wider than 275/55R20. With a speedometer set up for 275/55R20, an indicated 60 mph is really 60.2 mph on 305/50R20, so the gauge reads 0.3% low.

A 0.3% diameter difference is small: most people treat these sizes as interchangeable.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 305/50R20
30 mph30.1 mph
45 mph45.1 mph
60 mph60.2 mph
70 mph70.2 mph
80 mph80.2 mph

What changes when you switch to 305/50R20

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 305/50R20 than 275/55R20?

305/50R20 is 0.10 inches (0.3%) taller and 1.18 inches wider: 32.0" × 12.0" versus 31.9" × 10.8".

Will 305/50R20 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 0.3%. Going from 275/55R20 to 305/50R20, an indicated 60 mph is about 60.2 mph.

Can I replace 275/55R20 with 305/50R20?

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 305/50R20?

Usually not for a 0.3% change. With 3.73 gears, the 305/50R20 acts like 3.72.

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