Tire Size Box

275/40R20 vs 275/45R20

275/45R20 compared with 275/40R20

+3.8% diameter, 0.0" width

275/45R20 is 29.74" tall vs 28.66". More than the 3% rule of thumb, so check carefully before switching.

28.7"20" rim4.3"10.8" wide
275/40R20 (solid) compared with 275/45R20 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 275/45R20 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

62.3 mph

275/45R20 is +1.08 inches (+3.8%) in overall diameter. That is more than the 3% most shops and makers recommend.

275/40R20275/45R20Difference%
Overall diameter28.66"29.74"+1.08"+3.8%
Section width10.83"10.83"0.00"0.0%
Sidewall height4.33"4.87"+0.54"+12.5%
Circumference90.04"93.44"+3.40"+3.8%
Revolutions per mile703.7678.1−25.6−3.6%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 275/40R20 and you fit 275/45R20, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.8 mph+0.8 mph
30 mph31.1 mph+1.1 mph
40 mph41.5 mph+1.5 mph
50 mph51.9 mph+1.9 mph
60 mph62.3 mph+2.3 mph
65 mph67.5 mph+2.5 mph
70 mph72.6 mph+2.6 mph
75 mph77.8 mph+2.8 mph
80 mph83.0 mph+3.0 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 275/40R20 or 275/45R20?
275/45R20 is taller by 1.08 inches (29.74" vs 28.66"). 275/40R20 is the same width.
Can I replace 275/40R20 with 275/45R20?
It is not recommended without checking carefully. The diameter difference is +3.8%, 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 275/45R20 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 275/45R20 fitted (calibrated for 275/40R20), your real speed is 62.3 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 3.8%.
Will 275/45R20 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.54 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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