265/55R20 vs 255/65R18
New overall diameter
31.05″
was 31.48″
True speed at an indicated 60
59.2 mph
speedometer reads high
Revolutions per mile
650
was 641 · +9
Switching from 265/55R20 to 255/65R18? Everything that changes is below — sidewall, tread width, circumference, revolutions per mile and speedometer error at road speeds.
| Measurement | 265/55R20 | 255/65R18 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 31.48″ | 31.05″ | −0.43″ (−1.4%) |
| Sidewall height | 5.74″ (145.8 mm) | 6.53″ (165.8 mm) | +20.0 mm |
| Tread width | 265 mm | 255 mm | −10 mm |
| Circumference | 98.89″ | 97.55″ | −1.34″ |
| Revs per mile | 641 | 650 | +9 |
| Speedometer error | baseline | −1.4% | reads high |
Diameter overlay
265/55R20 255/65R18
Speedometer check
With 255/65R18 fitted, when the speedometer shows the indicated speed, your actual speed is:
25 mph shown
24.7 mph actual
35 mph shown
34.5 mph actual
45 mph shown
44.4 mph actual
55 mph shown
54.3 mph actual
65 mph shown
64.1 mph actual
75 mph shown
74.0 mph actual
Common questions
- Will 255/65R18 fit instead of 265/55R20?
- Good fit. Within the 3% rule — overall diameter changes only 1.4%. 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 31.48″ to 31.05″, a change of −1.4%. 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 255/65R18?
- At an indicated 60 mph you would actually be travelling about 59.2 mph — a −1.4% error. The speedometer reads high, so you are going slower than it shows.
- What is the difference in revolutions per mile between 265/55R20 and 255/65R18?
- 265/55R20 turns roughly 641 revolutions per mile; 255/65R18 turns roughly 650. That is a change of +9 revolutions per mile, which is what shifts odometer and speedometer readings.