CarSpecsHQ

255/30R20 vs 265/35R20

265/35R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/30R20: the diameter differs by +4.92%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
255/30R20 26.02" · 265/35R20 27.30" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/30R20265/35R20Difference
Overall diameter26.02"27.30"+1.28" (+4.92%)
Section width255 mm265 mm+10 mm
Sidewall3.01"3.65"+0.64"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference81.8"85.8"+4.0"
Revs per mile775739-36
Ride height——+0.64"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 265/35R20 on a car calibrated for 255/30R20, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.4 mph
80 mph83.9 mph

Other sizes close to 255/30R20

Questions

Can I replace 255/30R20 with 265/35R20?

265/35R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 255/30R20: the diameter differs by +4.92%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 255/30R20 and 265/35R20?

265/35R20 is 1.28" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.64". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 265/35R20 fit on 255/30R20 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.