CarSpecsHQ

305/35R20 vs 265/45R20

265/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/35R20: the diameter differs by +3.47%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
305/35R20 28.41" · 265/45R20 29.39" · drawn to scale

Side by side

305/35R20265/45R20Difference
Overall diameter28.41"29.39"+0.98" (+3.47%)
Section width305 mm265 mm-40 mm
Sidewall4.20"4.69"+0.49"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference89.2"92.3"+3.1"
Revs per mile710686-24
Ride height——+0.49"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 265/45R20 on a car calibrated for 305/35R20, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.8 mph

Other sizes close to 305/35R20

Questions

Can I replace 305/35R20 with 265/45R20?

265/45R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/35R20: the diameter differs by +3.47%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 305/35R20 and 265/45R20?

265/45R20 is 0.98" taller and 40 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.49". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.1 mph.

Will 265/45R20 fit on 305/35R20 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.