305/50R20 vs 305/55R20

305/55R20 is 1.20 inches (3.8%) taller than 305/50R20 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
+1.20″
305/55R20 vs 305/50R20
305/50R20305/55R20Difference
Overall diameter32.0″ 813 mm33.2″ 844 mm+1.20″ (+3.8%)
Section width12.0″ 305 mm12.0″ 305 mm±0.00″
Sidewall height6.00″ 153 mm6.60″ 168 mm+0.60″
Wheel (rim) diameter20″20″same
Circumference100.6″ 2554 mm104.3″ 2650 mm+3.8″
Revolutions per mile630607−23
Ground clearance+0.60″
305/50R2032.0″ × 12.0″32.0″305/55R2033.2″ × 12.0″33.2″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

305/55R20 is 1.20″ taller (3.8%) and 0.00″ wider than 305/50R20. With a speedometer set up for 305/50R20, an indicated 60 mph is really 62.3 mph on 305/55R20, so the gauge reads 3.8% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.60″.

A 3.8% 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 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.7 mph
60 mph62.3 mph
70 mph72.6 mph
80 mph83.0 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 305/50R20?

305/55R20 is 1.20 inches (3.8%) taller and 0.00 inches wider: 33.2" × 12.0" versus 32.0" × 12.0".

Will 305/55R20 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 3.8%. Going from 305/50R20 to 305/55R20, an indicated 60 mph is about 62.3 mph.

Can I replace 305/50R20 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 305/50R20 to 305/55R20?

Usually not for a 3.8% change. With 3.73 gears, the 305/55R20 acts like 3.60.

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