275/55R20 vs 255/55R20
255/55R20 has an overall diameter of 788.5 mm (31.04") compared with 810.5 mm (31.91") for 275/55R20, a difference of -22.0 mm (-2.71 %). The sidewall changes by -11.0 mm, section width by -20 mm and ride height by -11.0 mm. Using the ETRTO rolling circumference, 275/55R20 turns 405 times per kilometre and 255/55R20 turns 416 times. With 255/55R20 fitted to a car calibrated for 275/55R20, an indicated 100 km/h is a true 97.3 km/h, and the odometer records 102.8 km for every 100 km driven. This is close to the commonly quoted 3 % tolerance, so check clearance and local rules.
Full comparison
| Measurement | 275/55R20 | 255/55R20 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section width | 275 mm | 255 mm | -20 mm |
| Sidewall height | 151.3 mm | 140.3 mm | -11.0 mm |
| Rim diameter | 20" | 20" | 0.0" |
| Overall diameter | 810.5 mm (31.91") | 788.5 mm (31.04") | -22.0 mm (-2.71 %) |
| Static circumference | 2546 mm | 2477 mm | -69 mm |
| Rolling circumference (ETRTO) | 2472 mm | 2405 mm | -67 mm |
| Revs per km | 405 | 416 | +11 |
| Ride height | -11.0 mm | ||
| Inch equivalent | 31.9×10.8R20 | 31x10R20 | |
| Approved rim widths (approx.) | 7.5″–9.5″ | 7″–9″ |
Speedometer error
| Speedo reads | 40 | 50 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 110 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual speed (km/h) | 38.9 | 48.6 | 58.4 | 77.8 | 97.3 | 107.0 |
| Error (km/h) | -1.1 | -1.4 | -1.6 | -2.2 | -2.7 | -3.0 |
Assumes the speedo was accurate on 275/55R20. Odometer records 102.8 km for every 100 km actually driven.
- The 255/55R20 is 22 mm (2.71 %) smaller in diameter, so your speedo will read high and your odometer will over-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 255/55R20 legal in Australia? More info needed
| Overall diameter (VSB 14 LS 4.2.4) Diameter change of -22.0 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 smaller tyre makes the speedo read high: at an indicated 100 km/h you would be doing 97.3 km/h (over-read 2.7 km/h; ADR 18 allows up to 13.7 km/h at that speed). | OK |
| 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 255/55R20 instead of 275/55R20?
Overall diameter changes by -22.0 mm (-2.71 %). That is close to the 3 % rule of thumb; it may fit, but check guard, strut and brake clearance and your local rules. 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 255/55R20?
Your speedo will read high by about 2.71 %. At an indicated 100 km/h you would actually be travelling 97.3 km/h, and at 110 km/h about 107 km/h.
What is the rolling circumference of 255/55R20?
Static circumference is 2477 mm; the ETRTO rolling circumference under load is about 2405 mm, which is 416 revolutions per kilometre.
255/55R20 in inches
255/55R20 is approximately 31x10R20: 31.0" tall, 10.0" wide, on a 20" rim, with a 5.5" sidewall.
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