CarSpecsHQ

275/50R20 vs 255/60R20

255/60R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/50R20: the diameter differs by +3.96%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
275/50R20 30.83" · 255/60R20 32.05" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/50R20255/60R20Difference
Overall diameter30.83"32.05"+1.22" (+3.96%)
Section width275 mm255 mm-20 mm
Sidewall5.41"6.02"+0.61"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference96.8"100.7"+3.8"
Revs per mile654629-25
Ride height——+0.61"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.4+2.4 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.4 mph

With 255/60R20 on a car calibrated for 275/50R20, the speedometer reads 57.7 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.8 mph
60 mph62.4 mph
70 mph72.8 mph
80 mph83.2 mph

Other sizes close to 275/50R20

Questions

Can I replace 275/50R20 with 255/60R20?

255/60R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/50R20: the diameter differs by +3.96%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 275/50R20 and 255/60R20?

255/60R20 is 1.22" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.61". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.4 mph.

Will 255/60R20 fit on 275/50R20 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.