CarSpecsHQ

255/35R20 vs 305/30R20

305/30R20 is a safe swap for 255/35R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.66%.

20" rim
255/35R20 27.03" · 305/30R20 27.20" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/35R20305/30R20Difference
Overall diameter27.03"27.20"+0.18" (+0.66%)
Section width255 mm305 mm+50 mm
Sidewall3.51"3.60"+0.09"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference84.9"85.5"+0.6"
Revs per mile746741-5
Ride height——+0.09"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.4+0.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.4 mph

With 305/30R20 on a car calibrated for 255/35R20, the speedometer reads 59.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.7%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.2 mph
45 mph45.3 mph
60 mph60.4 mph
70 mph70.5 mph
80 mph80.5 mph

Other sizes close to 255/35R20

Questions

Can I replace 255/35R20 with 305/30R20?

305/30R20 is a safe swap for 255/35R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.66%.

What's the difference between 255/35R20 and 305/30R20?

305/30R20 is 0.18" taller and 50 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.09". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.4 mph.

Will 305/30R20 fit on 255/35R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 305 mm tire and the fender clearance.