CarSpecsHQ

305/35R20 vs 235/50R20

235/50R20 is a safe swap for 305/35R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.98%.

20" rim
305/35R20 28.41" · 235/50R20 29.25" · drawn to scale

Side by side

305/35R20235/50R20Difference
Overall diameter28.41"29.25"+0.85" (+2.98%)
Section width305 mm235 mm-70 mm
Sidewall4.20"4.63"+0.42"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference89.2"91.9"+2.7"
Revs per mile710689-21
Ride height——+0.42"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.061.8+1.8 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 61.8 mph

With 235/50R20 on a car calibrated for 305/35R20, the speedometer reads 58.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.0%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.9 mph
45 mph46.3 mph
60 mph61.8 mph
70 mph72.1 mph
80 mph82.4 mph

Other sizes close to 305/35R20

Questions

Can I replace 305/35R20 with 235/50R20?

235/50R20 is a safe swap for 305/35R20 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +2.98%.

What's the difference between 305/35R20 and 235/50R20?

235/50R20 is 0.85" taller and 70 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.42". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 61.8 mph.

Will 235/50R20 fit on 305/35R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 235 mm tire and the fender clearance.