CarSpecsHQ

275/45R20 vs 255/55R20

255/55R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/45R20: the diameter differs by +4.37%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
275/45R20 29.74" · 255/55R20 31.04" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/45R20255/55R20Difference
Overall diameter29.74"31.04"+1.30" (+4.37%)
Section width275 mm255 mm-20 mm
Sidewall4.87"5.52"+0.65"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference93.4"97.5"+4.1"
Revs per mile678650-28
Ride height——+0.65"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.6+2.6 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.6 mph

With 255/55R20 on a car calibrated for 275/45R20, the speedometer reads 57.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph47.0 mph
60 mph62.6 mph
70 mph73.1 mph
80 mph83.5 mph

Other sizes close to 275/45R20

Questions

Can I replace 275/45R20 with 255/55R20?

255/55R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/45R20: the diameter differs by +4.37%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 275/45R20 and 255/55R20?

255/55R20 is 1.30" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.65". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.6 mph.

Will 255/55R20 fit on 275/45R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.