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255/50R20 Tire Size
All You Need to Know About Tires
255/50R20 tires have a section width of 255 millimeters (mm), an aspect ratio of 50%, radial construction, and a 20-inch wheel diameter. This size is common on SUVs and crossovers, offering a balanced mix of ride comfort, stable handling, and a moderately tall sidewall for a 20-inch setup. Before buying tires sized 255/50R20, converting measurements into inches, comparing them with similar sizes such as 265/50R20 and 245/50R20, and understanding interchangeability helps drivers avoid clearance problems and unintended speedometer changes.
What Are the Dimensions of a 255/50R20 Tire in Inches?
A 255/50R20 tire has a section width of 10.04 inches (≈ 10.0") and a sidewall height of 5.02 inches (≈ 5.0"). The overall diameter of a 255/50R20 tire is 30.04 inches (≈ 30.0"), and the circumference is approximately 94.37 inches (≈ 94.4"). The typical recommended rim width range for the 255/50R20 size is 7.0 to 9.0 inches.
In inches, 255/50R20 can be represented as 30.04" × 10.04" R20.
How tall and wide are 255/50R20 tires?
A 255/50R20 tire is approximately 30.04 inches (763.0 mm) tall and 10.04 inches (255 mm) wide.
Recommended 255/50R20 Tires
Well-regarded options in 255/45R20 size include:
Comparison of 255/50R20 With Similar Tire Sizes
Comparing 255/50R20 with 265/50R20 and 245/50R20 shows how small changes in width affect sidewall height, overall diameter, stance, and speedometer behavior - while keeping the same 20-inch wheel diameter.
What Is the Difference Between 255/50R20 vs 265/50R20?
The main difference between 255/50R20 and 265/50R20 is the section width. Both fit 20-inch wheels and share the same aspect ratio, but the wider 265/50R20 has a slightly taller sidewall and a larger overall diameter.
The 255/50R20 has a sidewall height of 127.50 mm (≈ 5.02") and an overall diameter of 763.0 mm (≈ 30.04"). The 265/50R20 has a sidewall height of 132.50 mm (≈ 5.22") and an overall diameter of 773.0 mm (≈ 30.43").
This means the 265/50R20 is 10 mm wider, has a 5.00 mm (≈ 0.20") taller sidewall, and is 10.00 mm (≈ 0.39") larger overall.
255/50R20 vs 265/50R20 Tire Size Comparison Table
Tire Dimension | 255/50R20 (mm & in) | 265/50R20 (mm & in) | Difference (mm & in) | Percentage Difference |
Section Width | 255 mm (≈ 10.04") | 265 mm (≈ 10.43") | 10 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 3.92% |
Sidewall Height | 127.50 mm (≈ 5.02") | 132.50 mm (≈ 5.22") | 5.00 mm (≈ 0.20") | ≈ 3.92% |
Overall Diameter | 763.0 mm (≈ 30.04") | 773.0 mm (≈ 30.43") | 10.0 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 1.31% |
Circumference | 2397.04 mm (≈ 94.37") | 2428.45 mm (≈ 95.61") | 31.42 mm (≈ 1.24") | ≈ 1.31% |
Radius | 381.50 mm (≈ 15.02") | 386.50 mm (≈ 15.22") | 5.00 mm (≈ 0.20") | ≈ 1.31% |
Rim Diameter | 20" | 20" | — | 0% |
Recommended Rim Width | 7.0-9.0" | 7.5-9.5" | — | — |
Can I use 265/50R20 instead of 255/50R20?
Yes, this is a safe swap. It will give your vehicle a slightly more aggressive stance and a marginally softer ride due to the extra sidewall. The overall diameter increase of ≈ 1.3% with 265 instead of 255 tires is typically within accepted tolerance, so speedometer accuracy and calibration remain close to stock.
Your speedometer would read slightly slow (when it shows 60 mph, you’d actually be traveling about 60.8 mph). The vehicle would sit about 0.20" higher due to the larger radius. While small, this slightly raises your center of gravity but offers a tiny bit more clearance for snow or debris.
Recommended 265/50R20 Tires
If you plan to switch to 265/50R20 instead of 255/50R20, well-regarded options in this size include:
What Is the Difference Between 255/50R20 vs 245/50R20?
The main difference between 255/50R20 and 245/50R20 is the section width. Both fit 20-inch wheels and share the same aspect ratio, but the narrower 245/50R20 has a slightly shorter sidewall and a smaller overall diameter.
The 255/50R20 has a sidewall height of 127.50 mm (≈ 5.02") and an overall diameter of 763.0 mm (≈ 30.04"). The 245/50R20 has a sidewall height of 122.50 mm (≈ 4.82") and an overall diameter of 753.0 mm (≈ 29.65").
This means the 245/50R20 is 10 mm narrower, has a 5.00 mm (≈ 0.20") shorter sidewall, and is 10.00 mm (≈ 0.39") smaller overall.
255/50R20 vs 245/50R20 Tire Size Comparison Table
Tire Dimension | 255/50R20 (mm & in) | 245/50R20 (mm & in) | Difference (mm & in) | Percentage Difference |
Section Width | 255 mm (≈ 10.04") | 245 mm (≈ 9.65") | 10 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 3.92% |
Sidewall Height | 127.50 mm (≈ 5.02") | 122.50 mm (≈ 4.82") | 5.00 mm (≈ 0.20") | ≈ 3.92% |
Overall Diameter | 763.0 mm (≈ 30.04") | 753.0 mm (≈ 29.65") | 10.0 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 1.31% |
Circumference | 2397.04 mm (≈ 94.37") | 2365.62 mm (≈ 93.13") | 31.42 mm (≈ 1.24") | ≈ 1.31% |
Radius | 381.50 mm (≈ 15.02") | 376.50 mm (≈ 14.82") | 5.00 mm (≈ 0.20") | ≈ 1.31% |
Rim Diameter | 20" | 20" | — | 0% |
Recommended Rim Width | 7.0-9.0" | 7.0-8.5" | — | — |
Can I use 245/50R20 instead of 255/50R20?
Yes, this is a safe downsize. The overall diameter reduction of ≈ 1.3% is typically within accepted tolerance, so speedometer accuracy remains close to stock. Your speedometer would read slightly fast (when it shows 60 mph, you’d actually be traveling about 59.2 mph), and the vehicle would sit about 0.20" lower due to the smaller radius. The practical consideration is that the tire is narrower, which may slightly reduce grip and may fit best on slightly narrower wheels (within the recommended rim-width range).
The load index is a crucial check for this specific swap. 255/50R20 tires often have a load index of 109 (2,271 lbs), while 245/50R20 tires often have a lower index of 102 (1,874 lbs). You must ensure the 245 tire's load index meets or exceeds your vehicle's specs. If your car is AWD, you cannot mix these sizes. You’re strongly recommended to replace all four tires at once to avoid damaging the center differential.
Recommended 245/50R20 Tires
If you plan to switch to 245/50R20 instead of 255/50R20, well-regarded options in this size include:
All You Need to Know About Tires
255/50R20 tires have a section width of 255 millimeters (mm), an aspect ratio of 50%, radial construction, and a 20-inch wheel diameter. This size is common on SUVs and crossovers, offering a balanced mix of ride comfort, stable handling, and a moderately tall sidewall for a 20-inch setup. Before buying tires sized 255/50R20, converting measurements into inches, comparing them with similar sizes such as 265/50R20 and 245/50R20, and understanding interchangeability helps drivers avoid clearance problems and unintended speedometer changes.
What Are the Dimensions of a 255/50R20 Tire in Inches?
A 255/50R20 tire has a section width of 10.04 inches (≈ 10.0") and a sidewall height of 5.02 inches (≈ 5.0"). The overall diameter of a 255/50R20 tire is 30.04 inches (≈ 30.0"), and the circumference is approximately 94.37 inches (≈ 94.4"). The typical recommended rim width range for the 255/50R20 size is 7.0 to 9.0 inches.
In inches, 255/50R20 can be represented as 30.04" × 10.04" R20.
How tall and wide are 255/50R20 tires?
A 255/50R20 tire is approximately 30.04 inches (763.0 mm) tall and 10.04 inches (255 mm) wide.
Recommended 255/50R20 Tires
Well-regarded options in 255/45R20 size include:
Comparison of 255/50R20 With Similar Tire Sizes
Comparing 255/50R20 with 265/50R20 and 245/50R20 shows how small changes in width affect sidewall height, overall diameter, stance, and speedometer behavior - while keeping the same 20-inch wheel diameter.
What Is the Difference Between 255/50R20 vs 265/50R20?
The main difference between 255/50R20 and 265/50R20 is the section width. Both fit 20-inch wheels and share the same aspect ratio, but the wider 265/50R20 has a slightly taller sidewall and a larger overall diameter.
The 255/50R20 has a sidewall height of 127.50 mm (≈ 5.02") and an overall diameter of 763.0 mm (≈ 30.04"). The 265/50R20 has a sidewall height of 132.50 mm (≈ 5.22") and an overall diameter of 773.0 mm (≈ 30.43").
This means the 265/50R20 is 10 mm wider, has a 5.00 mm (≈ 0.20") taller sidewall, and is 10.00 mm (≈ 0.39") larger overall.
255/50R20 vs 265/50R20 Tire Size Comparison Table
Tire Dimension | 255/50R20 (mm & in) | 265/50R20 (mm & in) | Difference (mm & in) | Percentage Difference |
Section Width | 255 mm (≈ 10.04") | 265 mm (≈ 10.43") | 10 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 3.92% |
Sidewall Height | 127.50 mm (≈ 5.02") | 132.50 mm (≈ 5.22") | 5.00 mm (≈ 0.20") | ≈ 3.92% |
Overall Diameter | 763.0 mm (≈ 30.04") | 773.0 mm (≈ 30.43") | 10.0 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 1.31% |
Circumference | 2397.04 mm (≈ 94.37") | 2428.45 mm (≈ 95.61") | 31.42 mm (≈ 1.24") | ≈ 1.31% |
Radius | 381.50 mm (≈ 15.02") | 386.50 mm (≈ 15.22") | 5.00 mm (≈ 0.20") | ≈ 1.31% |
Rim Diameter | 20" | 20" | — | 0% |
Recommended Rim Width | 7.0-9.0" | 7.5-9.5" | — | — |
Can I use 265/50R20 instead of 255/50R20?
Yes, this is a safe swap. It will give your vehicle a slightly more aggressive stance and a marginally softer ride due to the extra sidewall. The overall diameter increase of ≈ 1.3% with 265 instead of 255 tires is typically within accepted tolerance, so speedometer accuracy and calibration remain close to stock.
Your speedometer would read slightly slow (when it shows 60 mph, you’d actually be traveling about 60.8 mph). The vehicle would sit about 0.20" higher due to the larger radius. While small, this slightly raises your center of gravity but offers a tiny bit more clearance for snow or debris.
Recommended 265/50R20 Tires
If you plan to switch to 265/50R20 instead of 255/50R20, well-regarded options in this size include:
What Is the Difference Between 255/50R20 vs 245/50R20?
The main difference between 255/50R20 and 245/50R20 is the section width. Both fit 20-inch wheels and share the same aspect ratio, but the narrower 245/50R20 has a slightly shorter sidewall and a smaller overall diameter.
The 255/50R20 has a sidewall height of 127.50 mm (≈ 5.02") and an overall diameter of 763.0 mm (≈ 30.04"). The 245/50R20 has a sidewall height of 122.50 mm (≈ 4.82") and an overall diameter of 753.0 mm (≈ 29.65").
This means the 245/50R20 is 10 mm narrower, has a 5.00 mm (≈ 0.20") shorter sidewall, and is 10.00 mm (≈ 0.39") smaller overall.
255/50R20 vs 245/50R20 Tire Size Comparison Table
Tire Dimension | 255/50R20 (mm & in) | 245/50R20 (mm & in) | Difference (mm & in) | Percentage Difference |
Section Width | 255 mm (≈ 10.04") | 245 mm (≈ 9.65") | 10 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 3.92% |
Sidewall Height | 127.50 mm (≈ 5.02") | 122.50 mm (≈ 4.82") | 5.00 mm (≈ 0.20") | ≈ 3.92% |
Overall Diameter | 763.0 mm (≈ 30.04") | 753.0 mm (≈ 29.65") | 10.0 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 1.31% |
Circumference | 2397.04 mm (≈ 94.37") | 2365.62 mm (≈ 93.13") | 31.42 mm (≈ 1.24") | ≈ 1.31% |
Radius | 381.50 mm (≈ 15.02") | 376.50 mm (≈ 14.82") | 5.00 mm (≈ 0.20") | ≈ 1.31% |
Rim Diameter | 20" | 20" | — | 0% |
Recommended Rim Width | 7.0-9.0" | 7.0-8.5" | — | — |
Can I use 245/50R20 instead of 255/50R20?
Yes, this is a safe downsize. The overall diameter reduction of ≈ 1.3% is typically within accepted tolerance, so speedometer accuracy remains close to stock. Your speedometer would read slightly fast (when it shows 60 mph, you’d actually be traveling about 59.2 mph), and the vehicle would sit about 0.20" lower due to the smaller radius. The practical consideration is that the tire is narrower, which may slightly reduce grip and may fit best on slightly narrower wheels (within the recommended rim-width range).
The load index is a crucial check for this specific swap. 255/50R20 tires often have a load index of 109 (2,271 lbs), while 245/50R20 tires often have a lower index of 102 (1,874 lbs). You must ensure the 245 tire's load index meets or exceeds your vehicle's specs. If your car is AWD, you cannot mix these sizes. You’re strongly recommended to replace all four tires at once to avoid damaging the center differential.
Recommended 245/50R20 Tires
If you plan to switch to 245/50R20 instead of 255/50R20, well-regarded options in this size include:
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