235/55R18 vs 245/45R20
245/45R20 is taller than 235/55R18 by 1.79% — a diameter difference of 0.50″.
What changes between 235/55R18 and 245/45R20
Switching from 235/55R18 to 245/45R20 changes overall diameter by +1.79%, a taller tire by 0.50 inches. This lands inside the ±3% fitment safe zone, so most vehicles will accept the swap without rubbing, speedometer recalibration, or ABS/TPMS complications. Section width moves by +0.40″ (235mm → 245mm), which affects contact patch and fender-well clearance. Sidewall height shifts by -0.75″: a shorter sidewall sharpens steering response at the cost of ride comfort and rim protection. Revs per mile moves by -13, which translates directly to speedometer error — at an indicated 65 mph, actual speed becomes 66.2 mph. The swap also changes rim diameter from 18″ to 20″, meaning new wheels are required. Wheel cost typically dominates the total upsize budget.
| Spec | 235/55R18 | 245/45R20 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 28.18″ | 28.68″ |
| Section width | 9.25″ (235 mm) | 9.65″ (245 mm) |
| Sidewall height | 5.09″ (55%) | 4.34″ (45%) |
| Rim diameter | 18″ | 20″ |
| Circumference | 88.52″ | 90.1″ |
| Revs per mile | 716 | 703 |
Interactive comparison
275/65R18 or "33" for inch aliases235/55R18
- Diameter
- 28.18″ / 715.7mm
- Section Width
- 9.25″
- Sidewall
- 5.09″ / 129.25mm
- Circumference
- 88.52″
- Revs/Mile
- 716
245/45R20
- Diameter
- 28.68″ / 728.5mm
- Section Width
- 9.65″
- Sidewall
- 4.34″ / 110.25mm
- Circumference
- 90.1″
- Revs/Mile
- 703
Speedometer & Diameter Impact
Different rim — new wheels requiredAt an indicated 60 mph, your actual speed is 61.07 mph (98.29 km/h). Your speedometer reads 1.79% low versus actual speed.