CarSpecsHQ

265/45R20 vs 275/50R20

275/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/45R20: the diameter differs by +4.89%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
265/45R20 29.39" · 275/50R20 30.83" · drawn to scale

Side by side

265/45R20275/50R20Difference
Overall diameter29.39"30.83"+1.44" (+4.89%)
Section width265 mm275 mm+10 mm
Sidewall4.69"5.41"+0.72"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference92.3"96.8"+4.5"
Revs per mile686654-32
Ride height——+0.72"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.9+2.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.9 mph

With 275/50R20 on a car calibrated for 265/45R20, 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 mph62.9 mph
70 mph73.4 mph
80 mph83.9 mph

Other sizes close to 265/45R20

Questions

Can I replace 265/45R20 with 275/50R20?

275/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/45R20: the diameter differs by +4.89%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 265/45R20 and 275/50R20?

275/50R20 is 1.44" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.72". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.9 mph.

Will 275/50R20 fit on 265/45R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 275 mm tire and the fender clearance.