255/55R20 vs 265/50R20
New overall diameter
30.43″
was 31.04″
True speed at an indicated 60
58.8 mph
speedometer reads high
Revolutions per mile
663
was 650 · +13
Switching from 255/55R20 to 265/50R20? Everything that changes is below — sidewall, tread width, circumference, revolutions per mile and speedometer error at road speeds.
| Measurement | 255/55R20 | 265/50R20 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 31.04″ | 30.43″ | −0.61″ (−2.0%) |
| Sidewall height | 5.52″ (140.3 mm) | 5.22″ (132.5 mm) | −7.8 mm |
| Tread width | 255 mm | 265 mm | +10 mm |
| Circumference | 97.53″ | 95.61″ | −1.92″ |
| Revs per mile | 650 | 663 | +13 |
| Speedometer error | baseline | −2.0% | reads high |
Diameter overlay
255/55R20 265/50R20
Speedometer check
With 265/50R20 fitted, when the speedometer shows the indicated speed, your actual speed is:
25 mph shown
24.5 mph actual
35 mph shown
34.3 mph actual
45 mph shown
44.1 mph actual
55 mph shown
53.9 mph actual
65 mph shown
63.7 mph actual
75 mph shown
73.5 mph actual
Common questions
- Will 265/50R20 fit instead of 255/55R20?
- Good fit. Within the 3% rule — overall diameter changes only 2.0%. Speedometer calibration, ABS, traction control and gearing all stay in their intended range. Your speedometer will read higher than your true speed. Overall diameter goes from 31.04″ to 30.43″, a change of −2.0%. 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 265/50R20?
- At an indicated 60 mph you would actually be travelling about 58.8 mph — a −2.0% error. The speedometer reads high, so you are going slower than it shows.
- What is the difference in revolutions per mile between 255/55R20 and 265/50R20?
- 255/55R20 turns roughly 650 revolutions per mile; 265/50R20 turns roughly 663. That is a change of +13 revolutions per mile, which is what shifts odometer and speedometer readings.