255/50R19 vs 265/45R20
New overall diameter
29.39″
was 29.04″
True speed at an indicated 60
60.7 mph
speedometer reads low
Revolutions per mile
686
was 695 · −8
Switching from 255/50R19 to 265/45R20? Everything that changes is below — sidewall, tread width, circumference, revolutions per mile and speedometer error at road speeds.
| Measurement | 255/50R19 | 265/45R20 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 29.04″ | 29.39″ | +0.35″ (+1.2%) |
| Sidewall height | 5.02″ (127.5 mm) | 4.69″ (119.3 mm) | −8.3 mm |
| Tread width | 255 mm | 265 mm | +10 mm |
| Circumference | 91.23″ | 92.33″ | +1.10″ |
| Revs per mile | 695 | 686 | −8 |
| Speedometer error | baseline | +1.2% | reads low |
Diameter overlay
255/50R19 265/45R20
Speedometer check
With 265/45R20 fitted, when the speedometer shows the indicated speed, your actual speed is:
25 mph shown
25.3 mph actual
35 mph shown
35.4 mph actual
45 mph shown
45.5 mph actual
55 mph shown
55.7 mph actual
65 mph shown
65.8 mph actual
75 mph shown
75.9 mph actual
Common questions
- Will 265/45R20 fit instead of 255/50R19?
- Good fit. Within the 3% rule — overall diameter changes only 1.2%. Speedometer calibration, ABS, traction control and gearing all stay in their intended range. Your speedometer will read lower than your true speed. Overall diameter goes from 29.04″ to 29.39″, a change of +1.2%. As a rule of thumb, under 3% is safe, 3–5% needs a clearance check, and over 5% is not recommended.
- How far off will my speedometer read on 265/45R20?
- At an indicated 60 mph you would actually be travelling about 60.7 mph — a +1.2% error. The speedometer reads low, so you are going faster than it shows.
- What is the difference in revolutions per mile between 255/50R19 and 265/45R20?
- 255/50R19 turns roughly 695 revolutions per mile; 265/45R20 turns roughly 686. That is a change of −8 revolutions per mile, which is what shifts odometer and speedometer readings.