Tire Size Box

265/50R20 vs 265/60R20

265/60R20 compared with 265/50R20

+6.9% diameter, 0.0" width

265/60R20 is 32.52" tall vs 30.43". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

30.4"20" rim5.2"10.4" wide
265/50R20 (solid) compared with 265/60R20 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

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

64.1 mph

265/60R20 is +2.09 inches (+6.9%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

265/50R20265/60R20Difference%
Overall diameter30.43"32.52"+2.09"+6.9%
Section width10.43"10.43"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height5.22"6.26"+1.04"+20.0%
Circumference95.61"102.16"+6.56"+6.9%
Revolutions per mile662.7620.2−42.5−6.4%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/50R20 and you fit 265/60R20, 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 mph42.7 mph+2.7 mph
50 mph53.4 mph+3.4 mph
60 mph64.1 mph+4.1 mph
65 mph69.5 mph+4.5 mph
70 mph74.8 mph+4.8 mph
75 mph80.1 mph+5.1 mph
80 mph85.5 mph+5.5 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/50R20 or 265/60R20?
265/60R20 is taller by 2.09 inches (32.52" vs 30.43"). 265/50R20 is the same width.
Can I replace 265/50R20 with 265/60R20?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +6.9%, 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 265/60R20 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 265/60R20 fitted (calibrated for 265/50R20), your real speed is 64.1 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 6.9%.
Will 265/60R20 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +1.04 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

Other comparisons