CarSpecsHQ

305/40R20 vs 275/50R20

275/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/40R20: the diameter differs by +4.12%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

20" rim
305/40R20 29.61" · 275/50R20 30.83" · drawn to scale

Side by side

305/40R20275/50R20Difference
Overall diameter29.61"30.83"+1.22" (+4.12%)
Section width305 mm275 mm-30 mm
Sidewall4.80"5.41"+0.61"
Rim20"20"same
Circumference93.0"96.8"+3.8"
Revs per mile681654-27
Ride height——+0.61"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.5+2.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.5 mph

With 275/50R20 on a car calibrated for 305/40R20, the speedometer reads 57.6 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.1%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.9 mph
60 mph62.5 mph
70 mph72.9 mph
80 mph83.3 mph

Other sizes close to 305/40R20

Questions

Can I replace 305/40R20 with 275/50R20?

275/50R20 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/40R20: the diameter differs by +4.12%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 305/40R20 and 275/50R20?

275/50R20 is 1.22" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.61". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.5 mph.

Will 275/50R20 fit on 305/40R20 wheels?

Both use a 20" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 275 mm tire and the fender clearance.