305/55R20 tires have a section width of 305 millimetres (mm), an aspect ratio of 55%, radial construction, and a 20-inch wheel diameter. Before buying tires sized 305/55R20, converting the size into inches, comparing it with alternative tire sizes like 295/55R20 and 275/55R20, and understanding how replacements affect ride height, handling, and speedometer accuracy helps drivers choose the correct tire size for their vehicles.
Well-regarded options in 305/55R20 size include:
305/55R20 tires have a section width of ≈ 12.01 inches, a sidewall height of ≈ 6.60 inches, and a wheel diameter of 20 inches. The overall tire diameter is ≈ 33.20 inches, the circumference is ≈ 104.28 inches, and the recommended rim width range is 8.5 to 11.0 inches.
In inches, the 305/55R20 tire size can be represented as 33.2" × 12.0" R20.
305/55R20 Tire Size Dimensions | Dimensions in Inches (") | Formula to Convert 305/55R20 Size in Inches (") |
305 mm (section width) | ≈ 12.01" | 305 ÷ 25.4 |
168 mm (sidewall height) | ≈ 6.60" | (305 × 0.55) ÷ 25.4 |
20 (rim diameter) | 20" | Given |
843 mm (overall diameter) | ≈ 33.20" | (2 × 168 ÷ 25.4) + 20 |
2649 mm (circumference) | ≈ 104.28" | 33.20 × 3.1416 |
422 mm (radius) | ≈ 16.60" | 33.20 ÷ 2 |
They are very similar but not identical. The 305/55R20 is essentially the "metric version" of the 33x12.50R20, but it is slightly narrower. Think of the 305/55R20 as a "33x12.0”.
The 305/55R20 is half an inch narrower than the 33x12.50. On many trucks with stock wheels, that half-inch is the difference between rubbing the upper control arm and clearing it. The 305 is often the "safer" choice for leveled trucks using factory rims.
The table below shows the clear comparison:
Specification | 305/55R20 (Metric) | 33x12.50R20 (Flotation) | Difference |
Total Height | 33.20" | 33.00" | Metric is 0.22" Taller |
Section Width | 12.01" | 12.50" | Metric is 0.49" Narrower |
Sidewall Height | 6.61" | 6.50" | Metric is 0.11" Taller |
Circumference | 104.36" | 103.67" | Metric rotates 0.69" further per turn |
Comparison of 305/55R20 With Similar Tire Sizes
Comparing 305/55R20 with other tire sizes, such as 295/55R20 and 275/55R20, helps illustrate how changes in section width and overall tire height affect vehicle stance, ride comfort, handling behavior, and speedometer accuracy. While all compared sizes share the same rim diameter, differences in width and sidewall height can influence traction, steering effort, clearance, and load distribution.
The main difference between 305/55R20 and 295/55R20 is the section width, with secondary differences in sidewall height, overall diameter, circumference, and radius. Compared to the 295/55R20, the 305/55R20 is 10 mm (≈ 0.39") wider, has a ≈ 6 mm (≈ 0.24") taller sidewall, and a ≈ 10 mm (≈ 0.39") larger overall diameter.
Although both tires have the same aspect ratio and rim diameter, the wider 305/55R20 results in a slightly taller, larger overall tire.
The tire dimensions and measurement differences between 305/55R20 and 295/55R20 are shown in the table below.
Tire dimensions | 305/55R20 tires dimensions in millimetre (mm) and inches (") | 295/55R20 tires dimensions in millimetre (mm) and inches (") | Difference b/w 305/55R20 and 295/55R20 in millimetre (mm) and inches (") | Percentage ≈ difference |
Section Width | 305 mm (≈ 12.01") | 295 mm (≈ 11.61") | 10 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 3.4% |
Sidewall Height | 168 mm (≈ 6.60") | 162 mm (≈ 6.38") | 6 mm (≈ 0.24") | ≈ 3.7% |
Overall Diameter | 843 mm (≈ 33.20") | 833 mm (≈ 32.79") | 10 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 1.2% |
Circumference | 2649 mm (≈ 104.28") | 2616 mm (≈ 102.99") | 33 mm (≈ 1.30") | ≈ 1.3% |
Radius | 422 mm (≈ 16.60") | 417 mm (≈ 16.40") | 5 mm (≈ 0.20") | ≈ 1.2% |
Rim Diameter | 508 mm (20.00") | 508 mm (20.00") | – | – |
Rim Width Range | 8.5"–11.0" | 8.0"–10.0" | – | – |
Yes, using a 295/55R20 instead of a 305/55R20 is generally acceptable and is a very common "downsize" for truck owners looking to eliminate rubbing issues.
Switching from a 305/55R20 to a 295/55R20 is essentially moving from a 12-inch wide tire to an 11.6-inch wide tire. This small reduction in width often solves clearance problems on leveled trucks without sacrificing the "beefy" look. Drivers may notice slightly lighter steering and marginally reduced traction compared to the wider 305/55R20.
While 305s technically require at least an 8.5" wide rim, 295s are approved for 8.0" wide rims. If you are running factory wheels that are 8.0" wide, the 295/55R20 is actually the "correct" fitment per manufacturer safety standards.
If you plan to switch to 295/55R20 instead of 305/55R20, well-regarded options in this size include:
The main difference between 305/55R20 and 275/55R20 is the section width, with additional differences in sidewall height, overall diameter, circumference, and radius. Compared to the 275/55R20, the 305/55R20 is 30 mm (≈ 1.18") wider, has a ≈ 17 mm (≈ 0.67") taller sidewall, and an ≈ 32 mm (≈ 1.26") larger overall diameter.
While both tire sizes share the same aspect ratio and rim diameter, the 305/55R20 is substantially wider and noticeably taller overall.
The tire dimensions or measurement difference between 305/55R20 vs 275/55R20 is shown in the below table.
Tire dimensions | 305/55R20 tires dimensions in millimetre (mm) and inches (") | 275/55R20 tires dimensions in millimetre (mm) and inches (") | Difference b/w 305/55R20 and 275/55R20 in millimetre (mm) and inches (") | Percentage ≈ difference |
Section Width | 305 mm (≈ 12.01") | 275 mm (≈ 10.83") | 30 mm (≈ 1.18") | ≈ 10.9% |
Sidewall Height | 168 mm (≈ 6.60") | 151 mm (≈ 5.96") | 17 mm (≈ 0.67") | ≈ 11.3% |
Overall Diameter | 843 mm (≈ 33.20") | 811 mm (≈ 31.91") | 32 mm (≈ 1.26") | ≈ 3.9% |
Circumference | 2649 mm (≈ 104.28") | 2546 mm (≈ 100.26") | 103 mm (≈ 4.02") | ≈ 4.0% |
Radius | 422 mm (≈ 16.60") | 406 mm (≈ 15.96") | 16 mm (≈ 0.63") | ≈ 3.9% |
Rim Diameter | 508 mm (20.00") | 508 mm (20.00") | – | – |
Rim Width Range | 8.5"–11.0" | 7.5"–9.5" | – | – |
No, the 275/55R20 tire is not a good replacement for the 305/55R20. Both tires fit a 20-inch rim, but they have different sizes and are made for different performance needs. Swapping them breaks the commonly recommended 3% rule for safety and proper vehicle function.
The 305/55R20 is a high-flotation tire, while the 275/55R20 is a standard-metric tire. Switching from a 305/55R20 to a 275/55R20 lowers the tire height from 33.20 inches to 31.91 inches, which is a 3.9 % drop in diameter. The 275/55R20 will spin about 25 more times per mile than the 305/55R20. This extra rotation puts more strain on the transmission and differential, which can lead to more heat and faster wear.
Many 305/55R20 tires are Light Truck (LT) Load Range E (10-ply) and can handle high air pressures up to 80 PSI, so they work well for heavy towing. Many 275/55R20 tires are P-Metric (Passenger) or XL (Extra Load) and have lower weight limits. If your vehicle needs the higher load capacity of a 305/55R20, using a 275/55R20 could cause tire failure under heavy loads or high temperatures.
The 305/55R20 is 12.0 inches wide, while the 275/55R20 is 10.8 inches wide. This width difference can affect steering feel and handling characteristics, particularly during hard braking.
305/55R20 tires have a section width of 305 millimetres (mm), an aspect ratio of 55%, radial construction, and a 20-inch wheel diameter. Before buying tires sized 305/55R20, converting the size into inches, comparing it with alternative tire sizes like 295/55R20 and 275/55R20, and understanding how replacements affect ride height, handling, and speedometer accuracy helps drivers choose the correct tire size for their vehicles.
Well-regarded options in 305/55R20 size include:
305/55R20 tires have a section width of ≈ 12.01 inches, a sidewall height of ≈ 6.60 inches, and a wheel diameter of 20 inches. The overall tire diameter is ≈ 33.20 inches, the circumference is ≈ 104.28 inches, and the recommended rim width range is 8.5 to 11.0 inches.
In inches, the 305/55R20 tire size can be represented as 33.2" × 12.0" R20.
305/55R20 Tire Size Dimensions | Dimensions in Inches (") | Formula to Convert 305/55R20 Size in Inches (") |
305 mm (section width) | ≈ 12.01" | 305 ÷ 25.4 |
168 mm (sidewall height) | ≈ 6.60" | (305 × 0.55) ÷ 25.4 |
20 (rim diameter) | 20" | Given |
843 mm (overall diameter) | ≈ 33.20" | (2 × 168 ÷ 25.4) + 20 |
2649 mm (circumference) | ≈ 104.28" | 33.20 × 3.1416 |
422 mm (radius) | ≈ 16.60" | 33.20 ÷ 2 |
They are very similar but not identical. The 305/55R20 is essentially the "metric version" of the 33x12.50R20, but it is slightly narrower. Think of the 305/55R20 as a "33x12.0”.
The 305/55R20 is half an inch narrower than the 33x12.50. On many trucks with stock wheels, that half-inch is the difference between rubbing the upper control arm and clearing it. The 305 is often the "safer" choice for leveled trucks using factory rims.
The table below shows the clear comparison:
Specification | 305/55R20 (Metric) | 33x12.50R20 (Flotation) | Difference |
Total Height | 33.20" | 33.00" | Metric is 0.22" Taller |
Section Width | 12.01" | 12.50" | Metric is 0.49" Narrower |
Sidewall Height | 6.61" | 6.50" | Metric is 0.11" Taller |
Circumference | 104.36" | 103.67" | Metric rotates 0.69" further per turn |
Comparison of 305/55R20 With Similar Tire Sizes
Comparing 305/55R20 with other tire sizes, such as 295/55R20 and 275/55R20, helps illustrate how changes in section width and overall tire height affect vehicle stance, ride comfort, handling behavior, and speedometer accuracy. While all compared sizes share the same rim diameter, differences in width and sidewall height can influence traction, steering effort, clearance, and load distribution.
The main difference between 305/55R20 and 295/55R20 is the section width, with secondary differences in sidewall height, overall diameter, circumference, and radius. Compared to the 295/55R20, the 305/55R20 is 10 mm (≈ 0.39") wider, has a ≈ 6 mm (≈ 0.24") taller sidewall, and a ≈ 10 mm (≈ 0.39") larger overall diameter.
Although both tires have the same aspect ratio and rim diameter, the wider 305/55R20 results in a slightly taller, larger overall tire.
The tire dimensions and measurement differences between 305/55R20 and 295/55R20 are shown in the table below.
Tire dimensions | 305/55R20 tires dimensions in millimetre (mm) and inches (") | 295/55R20 tires dimensions in millimetre (mm) and inches (") | Difference b/w 305/55R20 and 295/55R20 in millimetre (mm) and inches (") | Percentage ≈ difference |
Section Width | 305 mm (≈ 12.01") | 295 mm (≈ 11.61") | 10 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 3.4% |
Sidewall Height | 168 mm (≈ 6.60") | 162 mm (≈ 6.38") | 6 mm (≈ 0.24") | ≈ 3.7% |
Overall Diameter | 843 mm (≈ 33.20") | 833 mm (≈ 32.79") | 10 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 1.2% |
Circumference | 2649 mm (≈ 104.28") | 2616 mm (≈ 102.99") | 33 mm (≈ 1.30") | ≈ 1.3% |
Radius | 422 mm (≈ 16.60") | 417 mm (≈ 16.40") | 5 mm (≈ 0.20") | ≈ 1.2% |
Rim Diameter | 508 mm (20.00") | 508 mm (20.00") | – | – |
Rim Width Range | 8.5"–11.0" | 8.0"–10.0" | – | – |
Yes, using a 295/55R20 instead of a 305/55R20 is generally acceptable and is a very common "downsize" for truck owners looking to eliminate rubbing issues.
Switching from a 305/55R20 to a 295/55R20 is essentially moving from a 12-inch wide tire to an 11.6-inch wide tire. This small reduction in width often solves clearance problems on leveled trucks without sacrificing the "beefy" look. Drivers may notice slightly lighter steering and marginally reduced traction compared to the wider 305/55R20.
While 305s technically require at least an 8.5" wide rim, 295s are approved for 8.0" wide rims. If you are running factory wheels that are 8.0" wide, the 295/55R20 is actually the "correct" fitment per manufacturer safety standards.
If you plan to switch to 295/55R20 instead of 305/55R20, well-regarded options in this size include:
The main difference between 305/55R20 and 275/55R20 is the section width, with additional differences in sidewall height, overall diameter, circumference, and radius. Compared to the 275/55R20, the 305/55R20 is 30 mm (≈ 1.18") wider, has a ≈ 17 mm (≈ 0.67") taller sidewall, and an ≈ 32 mm (≈ 1.26") larger overall diameter.
While both tire sizes share the same aspect ratio and rim diameter, the 305/55R20 is substantially wider and noticeably taller overall.
The tire dimensions or measurement difference between 305/55R20 vs 275/55R20 is shown in the below table.
Tire dimensions | 305/55R20 tires dimensions in millimetre (mm) and inches (") | 275/55R20 tires dimensions in millimetre (mm) and inches (") | Difference b/w 305/55R20 and 275/55R20 in millimetre (mm) and inches (") | Percentage ≈ difference |
Section Width | 305 mm (≈ 12.01") | 275 mm (≈ 10.83") | 30 mm (≈ 1.18") | ≈ 10.9% |
Sidewall Height | 168 mm (≈ 6.60") | 151 mm (≈ 5.96") | 17 mm (≈ 0.67") | ≈ 11.3% |
Overall Diameter | 843 mm (≈ 33.20") | 811 mm (≈ 31.91") | 32 mm (≈ 1.26") | ≈ 3.9% |
Circumference | 2649 mm (≈ 104.28") | 2546 mm (≈ 100.26") | 103 mm (≈ 4.02") | ≈ 4.0% |
Radius | 422 mm (≈ 16.60") | 406 mm (≈ 15.96") | 16 mm (≈ 0.63") | ≈ 3.9% |
Rim Diameter | 508 mm (20.00") | 508 mm (20.00") | – | – |
Rim Width Range | 8.5"–11.0" | 7.5"–9.5" | – | – |
No, the 275/55R20 tire is not a good replacement for the 305/55R20. Both tires fit a 20-inch rim, but they have different sizes and are made for different performance needs. Swapping them breaks the commonly recommended 3% rule for safety and proper vehicle function.
The 305/55R20 is a high-flotation tire, while the 275/55R20 is a standard-metric tire. Switching from a 305/55R20 to a 275/55R20 lowers the tire height from 33.20 inches to 31.91 inches, which is a 3.9 % drop in diameter. The 275/55R20 will spin about 25 more times per mile than the 305/55R20. This extra rotation puts more strain on the transmission and differential, which can lead to more heat and faster wear.
Many 305/55R20 tires are Light Truck (LT) Load Range E (10-ply) and can handle high air pressures up to 80 PSI, so they work well for heavy towing. Many 275/55R20 tires are P-Metric (Passenger) or XL (Extra Load) and have lower weight limits. If your vehicle needs the higher load capacity of a 305/55R20, using a 275/55R20 could cause tire failure under heavy loads or high temperatures.
The 305/55R20 is 12.0 inches wide, while the 275/55R20 is 10.8 inches wide. This width difference can affect steering feel and handling characteristics, particularly during hard braking.