255/50R19 vs 265/45R20
265/45R20 has an overall diameter of 746.5 mm (29.39") compared with 737.6 mm (29.04") for 255/50R19, a difference of +8.9 mm (+1.21 %). The sidewall changes by -8.2 mm, section width by +10 mm and ride height by +4.5 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 255/50R19 turns 445 times per kilometre and 265/45R20 turns 439 times. With 265/45R20 fitted to a car calibrated for 255/50R19, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 101.2 km/h, and the odometer records 98.8 km for every 100 km driven. This is within the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 255/50R19 | 265/45R20 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 255 mm | 265 mm | +10 mm |
| Sidewall height | 127.5 mm | 119.3 mm | -8.2 mm |
| Rim diameter | 19" | 20" | +1.0" |
| Overall diameter | 737.6 mm (29.04") | 746.5 mm (29.39") | +8.9 mm (+1.21 %) |
| Static circumference | 2317 mm | 2345 mm | +28 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2250 mm | 2277 mm | +27 mm |
| Revs per km | 445 | 439 | -5 |
| Ride height | +4.5 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 29x10R19 | 29.4×10.4R20 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 7″–9″ | 8.5″–10″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 40.5 | 50.6 | 60.7 | 81.0 | 101.2 | 111.3 |
| Error (km/h) | +0.5 | +0.6 | +0.7 | +1.0 | +1.2 | +1.3 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 255/50R19. Odometer records 98.8 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 265/45R20 is 8.9 mm (1.21 %) larger in diameter, so your speedo will read low and your odometer will under-record distance.
- Section width changes by +10 mm. Check guard, strut and inner-arch clearance and that the rim width is within the approved range for the new tyre.
- Rim diameter changes from 19" to 20", so new wheels are required.
Is 265/45R20 legal in Australia? Within limits, verify speedo
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) Diameter change of +8.9 mm is within the +15 mm / -26 mm allowance for a passenger car (MA/MB) (measured against the largest size the manufacturer designates for the model). | OK |
| Speedometer (ADR 18/03) A larger tyre makes the speedo read lower: at an indicated 100 km/h you would be doing 101.2 km/h. ADR 18 requires the speedo never to read below true speed, but factory speedos typically over-read by 2-6 %, so a 1.2 % increase is usually absorbed. Verify with a GPS speed app after fitting. | Verify |
| Load index (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard load index and the replacement tyre load index to check. | ? |
| Speed rating (tyre placard / ADR 42) Enter the placard speed rating and the replacement tyre speed rating to check. | ? |
Frequently asked
Can I fit 265/45R20 instead of 255/50R19?
Overall diameter changes by +8.9 mm (+1.21 %). That is within the usual 3 % rule of thumb, so it is generally an acceptable swap provided the load index and speed rating meet your tyre placard and the tyre suits your rim width. In Australia VSB 14 allows up to +15 mm for passenger cars and +50 mm for 4WDs/goods vehicles without certification.
How much will my speedo be out with 265/45R20?
Your speedo will read low by about 1.21 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 101.2 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 111.3 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 265/45R20?
Static circumference is 2345 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 2277 mm, which is 439 revolutions per kilometre.
265/45R20 in inches
265/45R20 is approximately 29.4×10.4R20: 29.4" tall, 10.4" wide, on a 20" rim, with a 4.7" sidewall.
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