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Tire Size Comparison

305/55R20 vs 285/50R20

Switching from 305/55R20 to 285/50R20 changes overall diameter by -5.99% (33.21 in → 31.22 in).

-5.99%Not recommended — recalibrate the speedometer

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 305/55R20, fitting 285/50R20 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h37.6 km/h25 mph23 mph
60 km/h56.4 km/h37 mph35 mph
80 km/h75.2 km/h50 mph47 mph
100 km/h94.0 km/h62 mph58 mph
120 km/h112.8 km/h75 mph70 mph

Full comparison

305/55R20
Overall diameter843.5 mm · 33.21 in
Section width305 mm · 12.01 in
Sidewall height167.8 mm · 6.60 in
Circumference2649.9 mm · 104.3 in
Revolutions per mile607
Revolutions per km377
285/50R20
Overall diameter793.0 mm · 31.22 in
Section width285 mm · 11.22 in
Sidewall height142.5 mm · 5.61 in
Circumference2491.3 mm · 98.1 in
Revolutions per mile646
Revolutions per km401
Original tire
New tire
-5.99%Not recommended — recalibrate the speedometer
33.231.2
Original
Overall diameter843.5 mm · 33.21 in
Sidewall height167.8 mm
Circumference2,649.9 mm
Revolutions / mile607.3
New
Overall diameter793 mm · 31.22 in
Sidewall height142.5 mm
Circumference2,491.3 mm
Revolutions / mile646
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -5.99%. With a speedometer calibrated to the original tire, that same percentage is how far the speedometer and odometer read off — a taller tire means your true speed is higher than indicated and the odometer under-counts distance.

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h37.6 km/h25 mph23 mph
60 km/h56.4 km/h37 mph35 mph
80 km/h75.2 km/h50 mph47 mph
100 km/h94 km/h62 mph58 mph
120 km/h112.8 km/h75 mph70 mph

See individual specs: 305/55R20 · 285/50R20. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.