275/55R20 vs 305/55R20

305/55R20 is 1.30 inches (4.1%) 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
+1.30″
305/55R20 vs 275/55R20
275/55R20305/55R20Difference
Overall diameter31.9″ 810 mm33.2″ 844 mm+1.30″ (+4.1%)
Section width10.8″ 275 mm12.0″ 305 mm+1.18″
Sidewall height5.95″ 151 mm6.60″ 168 mm+0.65″
Wheel (rim) diameter20″20″same
Circumference100.2″ 2546 mm104.3″ 2650 mm+4.1″
Revolutions per mile632607−25
Ground clearance+0.65″
275/55R2031.9″ × 10.8″31.9″305/55R2033.2″ × 12.0″33.2″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

305/55R20 is 1.30″ taller (4.1%) and 1.18″ wider than 275/55R20. With a speedometer set up for 275/55R20, an indicated 60 mph is really 62.4 mph on 305/55R20, so the gauge reads 4.1% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.65″.

A 4.1% 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 305/55R20
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.8 mph
60 mph62.4 mph
70 mph72.9 mph
80 mph83.3 mph

What changes when you switch to 305/55R20

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 305/55R20 than 275/55R20?

305/55R20 is 1.30 inches (4.1%) taller and 1.18 inches wider: 33.2" × 12.0" versus 31.9" × 10.8".

Will 305/55R20 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 4.1%. Going from 275/55R20 to 305/55R20, an indicated 60 mph is about 62.4 mph.

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

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 275/55R20 to 305/55R20?

It's worth considering. To restore 3.73 gearing you'd need about 3.88 (3.73 or 3.92).

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