Tire Size Box

245/50R20 vs 245/55R20

245/55R20 compared with 245/50R20

+3.3% diameter, 0.0" width

245/55R20 is 30.61" tall vs 29.65". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

29.6"20" rim4.8"9.6" wide
245/50R20 (solid) compared with 245/55R20 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 245/55R20 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.0 mph

245/55R20 is +0.96 inches (+3.3%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

245/50R20245/55R20Difference%
Overall diameter29.65"30.61"+0.96"+3.3%
Section width9.65"9.65"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.82"5.31"+0.48"+10.0%
Circumference93.13"96.16"+3.03"+3.3%
Revolutions per mile680.3658.9−21.4−3.2%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 245/50R20 and you fit 245/55R20, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.7 mph+0.7 mph
30 mph31.0 mph+1.0 mph
40 mph41.3 mph+1.3 mph
50 mph51.6 mph+1.6 mph
60 mph62.0 mph+2.0 mph
65 mph67.1 mph+2.1 mph
70 mph72.3 mph+2.3 mph
75 mph77.4 mph+2.4 mph
80 mph82.6 mph+2.6 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 245/50R20 or 245/55R20?
245/55R20 is taller by 0.96 inches (30.61" vs 29.65"). 245/50R20 is the same width.
Can I replace 245/50R20 with 245/55R20?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.3%, more than the 3% most shops and makers allow. It will throw off the speedometer and may affect ABS, stability control and clearance.
How much will 245/55R20 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 245/55R20 fitted (calibrated for 245/50R20), your real speed is 62.0 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.3%.
Will 245/55R20 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.48 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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