285/50R20 vs 285/55R20

285/55R20 is 1.12 inches (3.6%) taller than 285/50R20 and 0.00 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
+1.12″
285/55R20 vs 285/50R20
285/50R20285/55R20Difference
Overall diameter31.2″ 793 mm32.3″ 822 mm+1.12″ (+3.6%)
Section width11.2″ 285 mm11.2″ 285 mm±0.00″
Sidewall height5.61″ 143 mm6.17″ 157 mm+0.56″
Wheel (rim) diameter20″20″same
Circumference98.1″ 2491 mm101.6″ 2581 mm+3.5″
Revolutions per mile646624−22
Ground clearance+0.56″
285/50R2031.2″ × 11.2″31.2″285/55R2032.3″ × 11.2″32.3″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

285/55R20 is 1.12″ taller (3.6%) and 0.00″ wider than 285/50R20. With a speedometer set up for 285/50R20, an indicated 60 mph is really 62.2 mph on 285/55R20, so the gauge reads 3.6% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.56″.

A 3.6% 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 285/55R20
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.2 mph
70 mph72.5 mph
80 mph82.9 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 285/50R20?

285/55R20 is 1.12 inches (3.6%) taller and 0.00 inches wider: 32.3" × 11.2" versus 31.2" × 11.2".

Will 285/55R20 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 3.6%. Going from 285/50R20 to 285/55R20, an indicated 60 mph is about 62.2 mph.

Can I replace 285/50R20 with 285/55R20?

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 285/50R20 to 285/55R20?

Usually not for a 3.6% change. With 3.73 gears, the 285/55R20 acts like 3.60.

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