CarSpecsHQ

235/50R20 vs 265/50R20

265/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/50R20: the diameter differs by +4.04%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
235/50R20 29.25" · 265/50R20 30.43" · drawn to scale

Side by side

235/50R20265/50R20Difference
Overall diameter29.25"30.43"+1.18" (+4.04%)
Section width235 mm265 mm+30 mm
Sidewall4.63"5.22"+0.59"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference91.9"95.6"+3.7"
Revs per mile689663-27
Ride height——+0.59"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.4+2.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.4 mph

With 265/50R20 on a car calibrated for 235/50R20, the speedometer reads 57.7 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.8 mph
60 mph62.4 mph
70 mph72.8 mph
80 mph83.2 mph

Other sizes close to 235/50R20

Questions

Can I replace 235/50R20 with 265/50R20?

265/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 235/50R20: the diameter differs by +4.04%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 235/50R20 and 265/50R20?

265/50R20 is 1.18" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.59". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.4 mph.

Will 265/50R20 fit on 235/50R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 265 mm tire and the fender clearance.