CarSpecsHQ

285/40R20 vs 265/50R20

265/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 285/40R20: the diameter differs by +5.03%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
285/40R20 28.98" · 265/50R20 30.43" · drawn to scale

Side by side

285/40R20265/50R20Difference
Overall diameter28.98"30.43"+1.46" (+5.03%)
Section width285 mm265 mm-20 mm
Sidewall4.49"5.22"+0.73"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference91.0"95.6"+4.6"
Revs per mile696663-33
Ride height——+0.73"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 265/50R20 on a car calibrated for 285/40R20, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.5 mph
80 mph84.0 mph

Other sizes close to 285/40R20

Questions

Can I replace 285/40R20 with 265/50R20?

265/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 285/40R20: the diameter differs by +5.03%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 285/40R20 and 265/50R20?

265/50R20 is 1.46" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.73". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 265/50R20 fit on 285/40R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 265 mm tire and the fender clearance.