Tire Size Box

255/25R19 vs 215/25R20

215/25R20 compared with 255/25R19

+0.9% diameter, −1.6" width

215/25R20 is 24.23" tall vs 24.02". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

24.0"19" rim2.5"10.0" wide
255/25R19 (solid) compared with 215/25R20 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 215/25R20 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

60.5 mph

215/25R20 is +0.21 inches (+0.9%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

255/25R19215/25R20Difference%
Overall diameter24.02"24.23"+0.21"+0.9%
Section width10.04"8.46"−1.57"−15.7%
Sidewall height2.51"2.12"−0.39"−15.7%
Circumference75.46"76.13"+0.67"+0.9%
Revolutions per mile839.6832.3−7.4−0.9%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 255/25R19 and you fit 215/25R20, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.2 mph+0.2 mph
30 mph30.3 mph+0.3 mph
40 mph40.4 mph+0.4 mph
50 mph50.4 mph+0.4 mph
60 mph60.5 mph+0.5 mph
65 mph65.6 mph+0.6 mph
70 mph70.6 mph+0.6 mph
75 mph75.7 mph+0.7 mph
80 mph80.7 mph+0.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 255/25R19 or 215/25R20?
215/25R20 is taller by 0.21 inches (24.23" vs 24.02"). 255/25R19 is wider by 1.57 inches.
Can I replace 255/25R19 with 215/25R20?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +0.9%, 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 215/25R20 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 215/25R20 fitted (calibrated for 255/25R19), your real speed is 60.5 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 0.9%.
Will 215/25R20 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.11 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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