285/55R20 vs 305/55R20

305/55R20 is 0.87 inches (2.7%) taller than 285/55R20 and 0.79 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
+0.87″
305/55R20 vs 285/55R20
285/55R20305/55R20Difference
Overall diameter32.3″ 822 mm33.2″ 844 mm+0.87″ (+2.7%)
Section width11.2″ 285 mm12.0″ 305 mm+0.79″
Sidewall height6.17″ 157 mm6.60″ 168 mm+0.43″
Wheel (rim) diameter20″20″same
Circumference101.6″ 2581 mm104.3″ 2650 mm+2.7″
Revolutions per mile624607−16
Ground clearance+0.43″
285/55R2032.3″ × 11.2″32.3″305/55R2033.2″ × 12.0″33.2″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

305/55R20 is 0.87″ taller (2.7%) and 0.79″ wider than 285/55R20. With a speedometer set up for 285/55R20, an indicated 60 mph is really 61.6 mph on 305/55R20, so the gauge reads 2.7% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.43″.

A 2.7% 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 305/55R20
30 mph30.8 mph
45 mph46.2 mph
60 mph61.6 mph
70 mph71.9 mph
80 mph82.1 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 285/55R20?

305/55R20 is 0.87 inches (2.7%) taller and 0.79 inches wider: 33.2" × 12.0" versus 32.3" × 11.2".

Will 305/55R20 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 2.7%. Going from 285/55R20 to 305/55R20, an indicated 60 mph is about 61.6 mph.

Can I replace 285/55R20 with 305/55R20?

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 285/55R20 to 305/55R20?

Usually not for a 2.7% change. With 3.73 gears, the 305/55R20 acts like 3.63.

Related