285/65R18 vs 255/65R20
255/65R20 is taller than 285/65R18 by 1.43% — a diameter difference of 0.46″.
What changes between 285/65R18 and 255/65R20
Switching from 285/65R18 to 255/65R20 changes overall diameter by +1.43%, a taller tire by 0.46 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 -1.18″ (285mm → 255mm), which affects contact patch and fender-well clearance. Sidewall height shifts by -0.76″: a shorter sidewall sharpens steering response at the cost of ride comfort and rim protection. Revs per mile moves by -9, which translates directly to speedometer error — at an indicated 65 mph, actual speed becomes 65.9 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 | 285/65R18 | 255/65R20 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 32.59″ | 33.05″ |
| Section width | 11.22″ (285 mm) | 10.04″ (255 mm) |
| Sidewall height | 7.29″ (65%) | 6.53″ (65%) |
| Rim diameter | 18″ | 20″ |
| Circumference | 102.37″ | 103.83″ |
| Revs per mile | 619 | 610 |
Interactive comparison
275/65R18 or "33" for inch aliases285/65R18
- Diameter
- 32.59″ / 827.7mm
- Section Width
- 11.22″
- Sidewall
- 7.29″ / 185.25mm
- Circumference
- 102.37″
- Revs/Mile
- 619
255/65R20
- Diameter
- 33.05″ / 839.5mm
- Section Width
- 10.04″
- Sidewall
- 6.53″ / 165.75mm
- Circumference
- 103.83″
- Revs/Mile
- 610
Speedometer & Diameter Impact
Different rim — new wheels requiredNarrower tire — verify wheel widthAt an indicated 60 mph, your actual speed is 60.86 mph (97.94 km/h). Your speedometer reads 1.43% low versus actual speed.