275/60R20 vs 265/65R20

265/65R20 is 0.57 inches (1.7%) taller than 275/60R20 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
+0.57″
265/65R20 vs 275/60R20
275/60R20265/65R20Difference
Overall diameter33.0″ 838 mm33.6″ 853 mm+0.57″ (+1.7%)
Section width10.8″ 275 mm10.4″ 265 mm−0.39″
Sidewall height6.50″ 165 mm6.78″ 172 mm+0.29″
Wheel (rim) diameter20″20″same
Circumference103.6″ 2633 mm105.4″ 2678 mm+1.8″
Revolutions per mile611601−10
Ground clearance+0.29″
275/60R2033.0″ × 10.8″33.0″265/65R2033.6″ × 10.4″33.6″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

265/65R20 is 0.57″ taller (1.7%) and 0.39″ narrower than 275/60R20. With a speedometer set up for 275/60R20, an indicated 60 mph is really 61.0 mph on 265/65R20, so the gauge reads 1.7% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.29″.

A 1.7% 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 265/65R20
30 mph30.5 mph
45 mph45.8 mph
60 mph61.0 mph
70 mph71.2 mph
80 mph81.4 mph

What changes when you switch to 265/65R20

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 265/65R20 than 275/60R20?

265/65R20 is 0.57 inches (1.7%) taller and 0.39 inches narrower: 33.6" × 10.4" versus 33.0" × 10.8".

Will 265/65R20 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 1.7%. Going from 275/60R20 to 265/65R20, an indicated 60 mph is about 61.0 mph.

Can I replace 275/60R20 with 265/65R20?

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 275/60R20 to 265/65R20?

Usually not for a 1.7% change. With 3.73 gears, the 265/65R20 acts like 3.67.

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