CarSpecsHQ

265/50R20 vs 305/50R20

305/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/50R20: the diameter differs by +5.17%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
265/50R20 30.43" · 305/50R20 32.01" · drawn to scale

Side by side

265/50R20305/50R20Difference
Overall diameter30.43"32.01"+1.57" (+5.17%)
Section width265 mm305 mm+40 mm
Sidewall5.22"6.00"+0.79"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference95.6"100.6"+4.9"
Revs per mile663630-33
Ride height——+0.79"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.1+3.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.1 mph

With 305/50R20 on a car calibrated for 265/50R20, the speedometer reads 57.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.6 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.1 mph
70 mph73.6 mph
80 mph84.1 mph

Other sizes close to 265/50R20

Questions

Can I replace 265/50R20 with 305/50R20?

305/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/50R20: the diameter differs by +5.17%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 265/50R20 and 305/50R20?

305/50R20 is 1.57" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.79". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.

Will 305/50R20 fit on 265/50R20 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.