Why share your location?
Better pricing
Faster delivery
Verified local shops
235/55R20 Tire Size
All You Need to Know About 235/55R20 Tires
235/55R20 tires have a section width of 235 millimeters (mm), an aspect ratio of 55%, radial construction, and a 20-inch wheel diameter. This size is commonly used on mid-size and full-size SUVs and crossovers, offering a balanced mix of ride comfort, stable handling, and modern wheel styling. Before buying tires sized 235/55R20, converting measurements into inches, comparing them with similar tire sizes such as 235/65R18 and 275/55R20, and understanding interchangeability helps drivers avoid wheel-fit issues, calibration problems, and clearance concerns.
What Are the Dimensions of a 235/55R20 Tire in Inches?
A 235/55R20 tire has a section width of 9.25 inches (≈ 9.3") and a sidewall height of 5.09 inches (≈ 5.1"). The overall diameter of a 235/55R20 tire is 30.18 inches (≈ 30.2"), and the circumference is approximately 94.80 inches (≈ 94.8"). The recommended rim width range for the 235/55R20 size is 6.5 to 8.5 inches.
How tall and wide are 235/55R20 tires?
A 235/55R20 tire is approximately 30.18 inches (766.50 mm) tall and 9.25 inches (235 mm) wide.
Recommended 235/55R20 Tires
Well-regarded options in 235/55R20 include:
Comparison of 235/55R20 With Similar Tire Sizes
Comparing 235/55R20 with 235/65R18 and 275/55R20 helps show how changes in wheel diameter, aspect ratio, and width influence overall diameter, ride comfort, handling feel, and whether a swap is physically possible without changing wheels.
What Is the Difference Between 235/55R20 vs 235/65R18?
The main differences between 235/55R20 and 235/65R18 are the aspect ratio and rim diameter. The 235/55R20 fits a 20-inch wheel, while the 235/65R18 fits an 18-inch wheel.
The 235/55R20 has a sidewall height of 129.25 mm (≈ 5.09") and an overall diameter of 766.50 mm (≈ 30.18"). The 235/65R18 has a sidewall height of 152.75 mm (≈ 6.01") and an overall diameter of 762.70 mm (≈ 30.03").
This means the 235/55R20 has a 23.50 mm (≈ 0.93") shorter sidewall, while the overall diameter difference is only 3.80 mm (≈ 0.15").
235/55R20 vs 235/65R18 Tire Size Comparison Table
| Tire Dimension | 235/55R20 (mm & in) | 235/65R18 (mm & in) | Difference (mm & in) | Percentage Difference |
| Section Width | 235 mm (≈ 9.25") | 235 mm (≈ 9.25") | 0 | 0% |
| Sidewall Height | 129.25 mm (≈ 5.09") | 152.75 mm (≈ 6.01") | 23.50 mm (≈ 0.93") | ≈ 18.2% |
| Overall Diameter | 766.50 mm (≈ 30.18") | 762.70 mm (≈ 30.03") | 3.80 mm (≈ 0.15") | ≈ 0.50% |
| Circumference | 2408.03 mm (≈ 94.80") | 2396.09 mm (≈ 94.33") | 11.94 mm (≈ 0.47") | ≈ 0.50% |
| Radius | 383.25 mm (≈ 15.09") | 381.35 mm (≈ 15.01") | 1.90 mm (≈ 0.07") | ≈ 0.50% |
| Rim Diameter | 20" | 18" | — | — |
| Recommended Rim Width | 6.5–8.5" | 6.5–8.5" | — | — |
Can I use 235/65R18 instead of 235/55R20?
No. A 235/65R18 tire cannot be mounted on a 20-inch wheel, so it is not interchangeable with 235/55R20 without changing wheels. Switching to this size requires purchasing 18-inch wheels, which is a mandatory change.
If the correct 18-inch wheels are installed, the overall diameter difference is under 0.5%, meaning speedometer accuracy and vehicle calibration remain essentially unchanged. In that case, the taller sidewall typically provides a softer ride and better impact absorption compared to the lower-profile 20-inch setup. By moving to the 18-inch setup, you gain nearly one full inch (0.93") of extra rubber between the rim and the road. This significantly improves comfort and protects the wheels from pothole damage.
What Is the Difference Between 235/55R20 vs 275/55R20?
The main difference between 235/55R20 and 275/55R20 is the section width. Both tires fit 20-inch wheels and share the same aspect ratio, but the wider 275/55R20 tire also increases sidewall height and overall diameter significantly.
The 235/55R20 is 235 mm wide with an overall diameter of 766.50 mm (≈ 30.18"). The 275/55R20 is 275 mm wide, has a sidewall height of 151.25 mm (≈ 5.95"), and an overall diameter of 810.50 mm (≈ 31.91").
This means the 275/55R20 is 40 mm wider, has a 22.00 mm (≈ 0.87") taller sidewall, and is 44.00 mm (≈ 1.73") larger overall.
235/55R20 vs 275/55R20 Tire Size Comparison Table
Tire Dimension | 235/55R20 (mm & in) | 275/55R20 (mm & in) | Difference (mm & in) | Percentage Difference |
Section Width | 235 mm (≈ 9.25") | 275 mm (≈ 10.83") | 40 mm (≈ 1.57") | ≈ 17.0% |
Sidewall Height | 129.25 mm (≈ 5.09") | 151.25 mm (≈ 5.95") | 22.00 mm (≈ 0.87") | ≈ 17.0% |
Overall Diameter | 766.50 mm (≈ 30.18") | 810.50 mm (≈ 31.91") | 44.00 mm (≈ 1.73") | ≈ 5.74% |
Circumference | 2408.03 mm (≈ 94.80") | 2546.26 mm (≈ 100.25") | 138.23 mm (≈ 5.44") | ≈ 5.74% |
Radius | 383.25 mm (≈ 15.09") | 405.25 mm (≈ 15.95") | 22.00 mm (≈ 0.87") | ≈ 5.74% |
Rim Diameter | 20" | 20" | — | — |
Recommended Rim Width | 6.5–8.5" | 7.5–9.5" | — | — |
Can I use 275/55R20 instead of 235/55R20?
No, this is not a suitable replacement. The overall diameter increase of ≈ 5.7% is well beyond accepted tolerance and will significantly affect speedometer accuracy, gearing, electronic driver aids, and vehicle stance. The move from a 235/55R20 to a 275/55R20 involves an aggressive increase in both width and height, essentially moving from a crossover-sized tire to a full-sized pickup truck tire (like those found on a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado).
The vehicle would sit nearly 0.9 inches higher, and the added width introduces potential clearance issues. This swap is only appropriate for vehicles specifically designed for this larger size.
The 1.57-inch increase in width is significant. On most vehicles designed for a 235mm tire, a 275mm tire will likely hit the suspension struts on the inside or rub against the wheel well when turning the steering wheel to full lock.
All You Need to Know About 235/55R20 Tires
235/55R20 tires have a section width of 235 millimeters (mm), an aspect ratio of 55%, radial construction, and a 20-inch wheel diameter. This size is commonly used on mid-size and full-size SUVs and crossovers, offering a balanced mix of ride comfort, stable handling, and modern wheel styling. Before buying tires sized 235/55R20, converting measurements into inches, comparing them with similar tire sizes such as 235/65R18 and 275/55R20, and understanding interchangeability helps drivers avoid wheel-fit issues, calibration problems, and clearance concerns.
What Are the Dimensions of a 235/55R20 Tire in Inches?
A 235/55R20 tire has a section width of 9.25 inches (≈ 9.3") and a sidewall height of 5.09 inches (≈ 5.1"). The overall diameter of a 235/55R20 tire is 30.18 inches (≈ 30.2"), and the circumference is approximately 94.80 inches (≈ 94.8"). The recommended rim width range for the 235/55R20 size is 6.5 to 8.5 inches.
How tall and wide are 235/55R20 tires?
A 235/55R20 tire is approximately 30.18 inches (766.50 mm) tall and 9.25 inches (235 mm) wide.
Recommended 235/55R20 Tires
Well-regarded options in 235/55R20 include:
Comparison of 235/55R20 With Similar Tire Sizes
Comparing 235/55R20 with 235/65R18 and 275/55R20 helps show how changes in wheel diameter, aspect ratio, and width influence overall diameter, ride comfort, handling feel, and whether a swap is physically possible without changing wheels.
What Is the Difference Between 235/55R20 vs 235/65R18?
The main differences between 235/55R20 and 235/65R18 are the aspect ratio and rim diameter. The 235/55R20 fits a 20-inch wheel, while the 235/65R18 fits an 18-inch wheel.
The 235/55R20 has a sidewall height of 129.25 mm (≈ 5.09") and an overall diameter of 766.50 mm (≈ 30.18"). The 235/65R18 has a sidewall height of 152.75 mm (≈ 6.01") and an overall diameter of 762.70 mm (≈ 30.03").
This means the 235/55R20 has a 23.50 mm (≈ 0.93") shorter sidewall, while the overall diameter difference is only 3.80 mm (≈ 0.15").
235/55R20 vs 235/65R18 Tire Size Comparison Table
| Tire Dimension | 235/55R20 (mm & in) | 235/65R18 (mm & in) | Difference (mm & in) | Percentage Difference |
| Section Width | 235 mm (≈ 9.25") | 235 mm (≈ 9.25") | 0 | 0% |
| Sidewall Height | 129.25 mm (≈ 5.09") | 152.75 mm (≈ 6.01") | 23.50 mm (≈ 0.93") | ≈ 18.2% |
| Overall Diameter | 766.50 mm (≈ 30.18") | 762.70 mm (≈ 30.03") | 3.80 mm (≈ 0.15") | ≈ 0.50% |
| Circumference | 2408.03 mm (≈ 94.80") | 2396.09 mm (≈ 94.33") | 11.94 mm (≈ 0.47") | ≈ 0.50% |
| Radius | 383.25 mm (≈ 15.09") | 381.35 mm (≈ 15.01") | 1.90 mm (≈ 0.07") | ≈ 0.50% |
| Rim Diameter | 20" | 18" | — | — |
| Recommended Rim Width | 6.5–8.5" | 6.5–8.5" | — | — |
Can I use 235/65R18 instead of 235/55R20?
No. A 235/65R18 tire cannot be mounted on a 20-inch wheel, so it is not interchangeable with 235/55R20 without changing wheels. Switching to this size requires purchasing 18-inch wheels, which is a mandatory change.
If the correct 18-inch wheels are installed, the overall diameter difference is under 0.5%, meaning speedometer accuracy and vehicle calibration remain essentially unchanged. In that case, the taller sidewall typically provides a softer ride and better impact absorption compared to the lower-profile 20-inch setup. By moving to the 18-inch setup, you gain nearly one full inch (0.93") of extra rubber between the rim and the road. This significantly improves comfort and protects the wheels from pothole damage.
What Is the Difference Between 235/55R20 vs 275/55R20?
The main difference between 235/55R20 and 275/55R20 is the section width. Both tires fit 20-inch wheels and share the same aspect ratio, but the wider 275/55R20 tire also increases sidewall height and overall diameter significantly.
The 235/55R20 is 235 mm wide with an overall diameter of 766.50 mm (≈ 30.18"). The 275/55R20 is 275 mm wide, has a sidewall height of 151.25 mm (≈ 5.95"), and an overall diameter of 810.50 mm (≈ 31.91").
This means the 275/55R20 is 40 mm wider, has a 22.00 mm (≈ 0.87") taller sidewall, and is 44.00 mm (≈ 1.73") larger overall.
235/55R20 vs 275/55R20 Tire Size Comparison Table
Tire Dimension | 235/55R20 (mm & in) | 275/55R20 (mm & in) | Difference (mm & in) | Percentage Difference |
Section Width | 235 mm (≈ 9.25") | 275 mm (≈ 10.83") | 40 mm (≈ 1.57") | ≈ 17.0% |
Sidewall Height | 129.25 mm (≈ 5.09") | 151.25 mm (≈ 5.95") | 22.00 mm (≈ 0.87") | ≈ 17.0% |
Overall Diameter | 766.50 mm (≈ 30.18") | 810.50 mm (≈ 31.91") | 44.00 mm (≈ 1.73") | ≈ 5.74% |
Circumference | 2408.03 mm (≈ 94.80") | 2546.26 mm (≈ 100.25") | 138.23 mm (≈ 5.44") | ≈ 5.74% |
Radius | 383.25 mm (≈ 15.09") | 405.25 mm (≈ 15.95") | 22.00 mm (≈ 0.87") | ≈ 5.74% |
Rim Diameter | 20" | 20" | — | — |
Recommended Rim Width | 6.5–8.5" | 7.5–9.5" | — | — |
Can I use 275/55R20 instead of 235/55R20?
No, this is not a suitable replacement. The overall diameter increase of ≈ 5.7% is well beyond accepted tolerance and will significantly affect speedometer accuracy, gearing, electronic driver aids, and vehicle stance. The move from a 235/55R20 to a 275/55R20 involves an aggressive increase in both width and height, essentially moving from a crossover-sized tire to a full-sized pickup truck tire (like those found on a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado).
The vehicle would sit nearly 0.9 inches higher, and the added width introduces potential clearance issues. This swap is only appropriate for vehicles specifically designed for this larger size.
The 1.57-inch increase in width is significant. On most vehicles designed for a 235mm tire, a 275mm tire will likely hit the suspension struts on the inside or rub against the wheel well when turning the steering wheel to full lock.
Need live support?
- Mon - Fri: 8am - 7pm ET
- Sat: 9am - 5pm ET
- Sun: Closed