CarSpecsHQ

275/45R20 vs 275/50R20

275/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/45R20: the diameter differs by +3.64%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
275/45R20 29.74" · 275/50R20 30.83" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/45R20275/50R20Difference
Overall diameter29.74"30.83"+1.08" (+3.64%)
Section width275 mm275 mm0 mm
Sidewall4.87"5.41"+0.54"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference93.4"96.8"+3.4"
Revs per mile678654-24
Ride height——+0.54"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.2+2.2 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.2 mph

With 275/50R20 on a car calibrated for 275/45R20, the speedometer reads 57.9 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.6%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.2 mph
70 mph72.5 mph
80 mph82.9 mph

Other sizes close to 275/45R20

Questions

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

275/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/45R20: the diameter differs by +3.64%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

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

275/50R20 is 1.08" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.54". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.2 mph.

Will 275/50R20 fit on 275/45R20 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.