255/65R18 vs 255/55R20
New overall diameter
31.04″
was 31.05″
True speed at an indicated 60
60.0 mph
no meaningful change
Revolutions per mile
650
was 650, +0
| Measurement | 255/65R18 | 255/55R20 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 31.05″ | 31.04″ | −0.01″ (−0.0%) |
| Sidewall height | 6.53″ (165.8 mm) | 5.52″ (140.3 mm) | −25.5 mm |
| Tread width | 255 mm | 255 mm | +0 mm |
| Circumference | 97.55″ | 97.53″ | −0.02″ |
| Revs per mile | 650 | 650 | +0 |
| Speedometer error | baseline | −0.0% | no change |
Diameter overlay
255/65R18 255/55R20
Speedometer check
With 255/55R20 fitted, when the speedometer shows the indicated speed, your actual speed is:
25 mph shown
25.0 mph actual
35 mph shown
35.0 mph actual
45 mph shown
45.0 mph actual
55 mph shown
55.0 mph actual
65 mph shown
65.0 mph actual
75 mph shown
75.0 mph actual
Common questions
- Will 255/55R20 fit instead of 255/65R18?
- Diameter moves 0.0%, comfortably inside the 3% rule. Your speedometer, ABS, traction control and gearing all stay in the range they were calibrated for. Your speedometer stays accurate. Overall diameter goes from 31.05″ to 31.04″, a change of −0.0%. The rule of thumb most shops use: under 3% is fine, 3 to 5% needs a clearance check, over 5% needs recalibration.
- How far off will my speedometer read on 255/55R20?
- At an indicated 60 mph you are really doing about 60.0 mph, a −0.0% error. That is effectively no change.
- What is the difference in revolutions per mile between 255/65R18 and 255/55R20?
- 255/65R18 turns about 650 times per mile and 255/55R20 turns about 650, a difference of +0. Your speedometer and odometer both count rotations, so this number is what throws them off.