CarSpecsHQ

305/30R20 vs 265/40R20

265/40R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/30R20: the diameter differs by +4.20%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
305/30R20 27.20" · 265/40R20 28.35" · drawn to scale

Side by side

305/30R20265/40R20Difference
Overall diameter27.20"28.35"+1.14" (+4.20%)
Section width305 mm265 mm-40 mm
Sidewall3.60"4.17"+0.57"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference85.5"89.1"+3.6"
Revs per mile741711-30
Ride height——+0.57"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.5+2.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.5 mph

With 265/40R20 on a car calibrated for 305/30R20, the speedometer reads 57.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.3 mph
45 mph46.9 mph
60 mph62.5 mph
70 mph72.9 mph
80 mph83.4 mph

Other sizes close to 305/30R20

Questions

Can I replace 305/30R20 with 265/40R20?

265/40R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/30R20: the diameter differs by +4.20%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 305/30R20 and 265/40R20?

265/40R20 is 1.14" taller and 40 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.57". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.5 mph.

Will 265/40R20 fit on 305/30R20 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.