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305/25R20 vs 265/35R20

265/35R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/25R20: the diameter differs by +5.00%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
305/25R20 26.00" · 265/35R20 27.30" · drawn to scale

Side by side

305/25R20265/35R20Difference
Overall diameter26.00"27.30"+1.30" (+5.00%)
Section width305 mm265 mm-40 mm
Sidewall3.00"3.65"+0.65"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference81.7"85.8"+4.1"
Revs per mile776739-37
Ride height——+0.65"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 265/35R20 on a car calibrated for 305/25R20, 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 mph47.2 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.5 mph
80 mph84.0 mph

Other sizes close to 305/25R20

Questions

Can I replace 305/25R20 with 265/35R20?

265/35R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/25R20: the diameter differs by +5.00%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 305/25R20 and 265/35R20?

265/35R20 is 1.30" taller and 40 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.65". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 265/35R20 fit on 305/25R20 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.