TireSizeCheck

255/60R18 vs 255/50R20

Fit verdict

Good fit

Diameter change

−0.0%

Within the 3% rule — overall diameter changes only 0.0%. Speedometer calibration, ABS, traction control and gearing all stay in their intended range. Speedometer accuracy is essentially unchanged.

New overall diameter

30.04″

was 30.05″

True speed at an indicated 60

60.0 mph

no meaningful change

Revolutions per mile

671

was 671 · +0

Switching from 255/60R18 to 255/50R20? Everything that changes is below — sidewall, tread width, circumference, revolutions per mile and speedometer error at road speeds.

Measurement 255/60R18 255/50R20 Change
Overall diameter 30.05″ 30.04″ −0.01″ (−0.0%)
Sidewall height 6.02″ (153.0 mm) 5.02″ (127.5 mm) −25.5 mm
Tread width 255 mm 255 mm +0 mm
Circumference 94.40″ 94.37″ −0.02″
Revs per mile 671 671 +0
Speedometer error baseline −0.0% no change

Diameter overlay

255/60R18 255/50R20

Speedometer check

With 255/50R20 fitted, when the speedometer shows the indicated speed, your actual speed is:

25 mph shown

25.0 mph actual

35 mph shown

35.0 mph actual

45 mph shown

45.0 mph actual

55 mph shown

55.0 mph actual

65 mph shown

65.0 mph actual

75 mph shown

75.0 mph actual

Common questions

Will 255/50R20 fit instead of 255/60R18?
Good fit. Within the 3% rule — overall diameter changes only 0.0%. Speedometer calibration, ABS, traction control and gearing all stay in their intended range. Speedometer accuracy is essentially unchanged. Overall diameter goes from 30.05″ to 30.04″, a change of −0.0%. 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 255/50R20?
At an indicated 60 mph you would actually be travelling about 60.0 mph — a −0.0% error. That is effectively no change.
What is the difference in revolutions per mile between 255/60R18 and 255/50R20?
255/60R18 turns roughly 671 revolutions per mile; 255/50R20 turns roughly 671. That is a change of +0 revolutions per mile, which is what shifts odometer and speedometer readings.