CarSpecsHQ

275/40R20 vs 245/50R20

245/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/40R20: the diameter differs by +3.43%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
275/40R20 28.66" · 245/50R20 29.65" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/40R20245/50R20Difference
Overall diameter28.66"29.65"+0.98" (+3.43%)
Section width275 mm245 mm-30 mm
Sidewall4.33"4.82"+0.49"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference90.0"93.1"+3.1"
Revs per mile704680-23
Ride height——+0.49"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 245/50R20 on a car calibrated for 275/40R20, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.7 mph

Other sizes close to 275/40R20

Questions

Can I replace 275/40R20 with 245/50R20?

245/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/40R20: the diameter differs by +3.43%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 275/40R20 and 245/50R20?

245/50R20 is 0.98" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.49". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.1 mph.

Will 245/50R20 fit on 275/40R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 245 mm tire and the fender clearance.