Tire Size Box

265/45R20 vs 265/55R20

265/55R20 compared with 265/45R20

+7.1% diameter, 0.0" width

265/55R20 is 31.48" tall vs 29.39". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

29.4"20" rim4.7"10.4" wide
265/45R20 (solid) compared with 265/55R20 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 265/55R20 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

64.3 mph

265/55R20 is +2.09 inches (+7.1%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/45R20265/55R20Difference%
Overall diameter29.39"31.48"+2.09"+7.1%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.69"5.74"+1.04"+22.2%
Circumference92.33"98.89"+6.56"+7.1%
Revolutions per mile686.2640.7−45.5−6.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/45R20 and you fit 265/55R20, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph21.4 mph+1.4 mph
30 mph32.1 mph+2.1 mph
40 mph42.8 mph+2.8 mph
50 mph53.5 mph+3.5 mph
60 mph64.3 mph+4.3 mph
65 mph69.6 mph+4.6 mph
70 mph75.0 mph+5.0 mph
75 mph80.3 mph+5.3 mph
80 mph85.7 mph+5.7 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/45R20 or 265/55R20?
265/55R20 is taller by 2.09 inches (31.48" vs 29.39"). 265/45R20 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/45R20 with 265/55R20?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +7.1%, 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 265/55R20 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/55R20 fitted (calibrated for 265/45R20), your real speed is 64.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 7.1%.
Will 265/55R20 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.04 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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