275/45R20 vs 255/50R20
255/50R20 has an overall diameter of 763.0 mm (30.04") compared with 755.5 mm (29.74") for 275/45R20, a difference of +7.5 mm (+0.99 %). The sidewall changes by +3.8 mm, section width by -20 mm and ride height by +3.8 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 275/45R20 turns 434 times per kilometre and 255/50R20 turns 430 times. With 255/50R20 fitted to a car calibrated for 275/45R20, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 101 km/h, and the odometer records 99 km for every 100 km driven. This is within the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 275/45R20 | 255/50R20 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 275 mm | 255 mm | -20 mm |
| Sidewall height | 123.8 mm | 127.5 mm | +3.8 mm |
| Rim diameter | 20" | 20" | 0.0" |
| Overall diameter | 755.5 mm (29.74") | 763.0 mm (30.04") | +7.5 mm (+0.99 %) |
| Static circumference | 2373 mm | 2397 mm | +24 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2304 mm | 2327 mm | +23 mm |
| Revs per km | 434 | 430 | -4 |
| Ride height | +3.8 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 29.7×10.8R20 | 30x10R20 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 8.5″–10″ | 7″–9″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 40.4 | 50.5 | 60.6 | 80.8 | 101.0 | 111.1 |
| Error (km/h) | +0.4 | +0.5 | +0.6 | +0.8 | +1.0 | +1.1 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 275/45R20. Odometer records 99.0 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 255/50R20 is 7.5 mm (0.99 %) larger in diameter, so your speedo will read low and your odometer will under-record distance.
- Section width changes by -20 mm. Check guard, strut and inner-arch clearance and that the rim width is within the approved range for the new tyre.
Is 255/50R20 legal in Australia? Within limits, verify speedo
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) Diameter change of +7.5 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 101.0 km/h. ADR 18 requires the speedo never to read below true speed, but factory speedos typically over-read by 2-6 %, so a 1.0 % 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 255/50R20 instead of 275/45R20?
Overall diameter changes by +7.5 mm (+0.99 %). 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 255/50R20?
Your speedo will read low by about 0.99 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 101 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 111.1 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 255/50R20?
Static circumference is 2397 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 2327 mm, which is 430 revolutions per kilometre.
255/50R20 in inches
255/50R20 is approximately 30x10R20: 30.0" tall, 10.0" wide, on a 20" rim, with a 5.0" sidewall.
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