Tire Size Box

235/40R20 vs 215/45R20

215/45R20 compared with 235/40R20

+0.8% diameter, −0.8" width

215/45R20 is 27.62" tall vs 27.40". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

27.4"20" rim3.7"9.3" wide
235/40R20 (solid) compared with 215/45R20 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/45R20 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

60.5 mph

215/45R20 is +0.22 inches (+0.8%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

235/40R20215/45R20Difference%
Overall diameter27.40"27.62"+0.22"+0.8%
Section width9.25"8.46"−0.79"−8.5%
Sidewall height3.70"3.81"+0.11"+2.9%
Circumference86.08"86.76"+0.68"+0.8%
Revolutions per mile736.0730.2−5.8−0.8%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 235/40R20 and you fit 215/45R20, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.2 mph+0.2 mph
30 mph30.2 mph+0.2 mph
40 mph40.3 mph+0.3 mph
50 mph50.4 mph+0.4 mph
60 mph60.5 mph+0.5 mph
65 mph65.5 mph+0.5 mph
70 mph70.6 mph+0.6 mph
75 mph75.6 mph+0.6 mph
80 mph80.6 mph+0.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 235/40R20 or 215/45R20?
215/45R20 is taller by 0.22 inches (27.62" vs 27.40"). 235/40R20 is wider by 0.79 inches.
Can I replace 235/40R20 with 215/45R20?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +0.8%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 215/45R20 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/45R20 fitted (calibrated for 235/40R20), your real speed is 60.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 0.8%.
Will 215/45R20 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.11 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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