33x12.50R20 vs 285/60R20

285/60R20 is 0.46 inches (1.4%) taller than 33x12.50R20 and 1.28 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
+0.46″
285/60R20 vs 33x12.50R20
33x12.50R20285/60R20Difference
Overall diameter33.0″ 838 mm33.5″ 850 mm+0.46″ (+1.4%)
Section width12.5″ 318 mm11.2″ 285 mm−1.28″
Sidewall height6.50″ 165 mm6.73″ 171 mm+0.23″
Wheel (rim) diameter20″20″same
Circumference103.7″ 2633 mm105.1″ 2670 mm+1.5″
Revolutions per mile611603−8
Ground clearance+0.23″
33x12.50R2033.0″ × 12.5″33.0″285/60R2033.5″ × 11.2″33.5″
Drawn to scale: side view and tread width.

285/60R20 is 0.46″ taller (1.4%) and 1.28″ narrower than 33x12.50R20. With a speedometer set up for 33x12.50R20, an indicated 60 mph is really 60.8 mph on 285/60R20, so the gauge reads 1.4% low. Ground clearance at the axle changes by +0.23″.

A 1.4% 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 285/60R20
30 mph30.4 mph
45 mph45.6 mph
60 mph60.8 mph
70 mph71.0 mph
80 mph81.1 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 33x12.50R20?

285/60R20 is 0.46 inches (1.4%) taller and 1.28 inches narrower: 33.5" × 11.2" versus 33.0" × 12.5".

Will 285/60R20 change my speedometer?

Yes, by 1.4%. Going from 33x12.50R20 to 285/60R20, an indicated 60 mph is about 60.8 mph.

Can I replace 33x12.50R20 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 33x12.50R20 to 285/60R20?

Usually not for a 1.4% change. With 3.73 gears, the 285/60R20 acts like 3.68.

Related