CarSpecsHQ

255/40R20 vs 305/35R20

305/35R20 is a safe swap for 255/40R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.33%.

20" rim
255/40R20 28.03" · 305/35R20 28.41" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/40R20305/35R20Difference
Overall diameter28.03"28.41"+0.37" (+1.33%)
Section width255 mm305 mm+50 mm
Sidewall4.02"4.20"+0.19"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference88.1"89.2"+1.2"
Revs per mile719710-9
Ride height——+0.19"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.8+0.8 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.8 mph

With 305/35R20 on a car calibrated for 255/40R20, the speedometer reads 59.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 1.3%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.4 mph
45 mph45.6 mph
60 mph60.8 mph
70 mph70.9 mph
80 mph81.1 mph

Other sizes close to 255/40R20

Questions

Can I replace 255/40R20 with 305/35R20?

305/35R20 is a safe swap for 255/40R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +1.33%.

What's the difference between 255/40R20 and 305/35R20?

305/35R20 is 0.37" taller and 50 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.19". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.8 mph.

Will 305/35R20 fit on 255/40R20 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.