305/55R20 vs 285/60R20

285/60R20 is 0.26 inches (0.8%) taller than 305/55R20 and 0.79 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
+0.26″
285/60R20 vs 305/55R20
305/55R20285/60R20Difference
Overall diameter33.2″ 844 mm33.5″ 850 mm+0.26″ (+0.8%)
Section width12.0″ 305 mm11.2″ 285 mm−0.79″
Sidewall height6.60″ 168 mm6.73″ 171 mm+0.13″
Wheel (rim) diameter20″20″same
Circumference104.3″ 2650 mm105.1″ 2670 mm+0.8″
Revolutions per mile607603−5
Ground clearance+0.13″
305/55R2033.2″ × 12.0″33.2″285/60R2033.5″ × 11.2″33.5″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

285/60R20 is 0.26″ taller (0.8%) and 0.79″ narrower than 305/55R20. With a speedometer set up for 305/55R20, an indicated 60 mph is really 60.5 mph on 285/60R20, so the gauge reads 0.8% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.13″.

A 0.8% diameter difference is small: most people treat these sizes as interchangeable.

Speedometer showsReal speed on 285/60R20
30 mph30.2 mph
45 mph45.3 mph
60 mph60.5 mph
70 mph70.5 mph
80 mph80.6 mph

What changes when you switch to 285/60R20

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 285/60R20 than 305/55R20?

285/60R20 is 0.26 inches (0.8%) taller and 0.79 inches narrower: 33.5" × 11.2" versus 33.2" × 12.0".

Will 285/60R20 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 0.8%. Going from 305/55R20 to 285/60R20, an indicated 60 mph is about 60.5 mph.

Can I replace 305/55R20 with 285/60R20?

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 305/55R20 to 285/60R20?

Usually not for a 0.8% change. With 3.73 gears, the 285/60R20 acts like 3.70.

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