235/55R20 vs 255/50R20Tire Size Comparison

Safe

The 0.5% diameter difference is within the accepted 3% tolerance.

235/55R20767mm dia255/50R20763mm dia-1.8mm

Comparison Details

Overall Diameter766.5 vs 763.0 mm (-3.5 mm)
Diameter Difference-0.46%
Section Width235 vs 255 mm (+20 mm)
Sidewall Height129.3 vs 127.5 mm (-1.8 mm)
Circumference2408.0 vs 2397.0 mm
Clearance Change-1.7 mm
Speedometer Error-0.46%
Revs/Mile668 vs 671

Speedometer Correction

When switching from 235/55R20 to 255/50R20, your speedometer will differ from actual speed.

SpeedometerActual SpeedDifference
30 km/h29.9 km/h-0.1 km/h
40 km/h39.8 km/h-0.2 km/h
50 km/h49.8 km/h-0.2 km/h
60 km/h59.7 km/h-0.3 km/h
70 km/h69.7 km/h-0.3 km/h
80 km/h79.6 km/h-0.4 km/h
90 km/h89.6 km/h-0.4 km/h
100 km/h99.5 km/h-0.5 km/h
110 km/h109.5 km/h-0.5 km/h
120 km/h119.5 km/h-0.5 km/h
130 km/h129.4 km/h-0.6 km/h

Vehicles Using These Sizes

Vehicles with 235/55R20

Vehicles with 255/50R20

Individual Tire Size Details

Practical Guidance

Switching from 235/55R20 to 255/50R20 is within the industry-accepted 3% diameter tolerance. Your speedometer, ABS, and traction control should function normally. Both sizes fit the same 20-inch rim, so no wheel change is needed.

The 3% diameter tolerance is a widely accepted industry guideline referenced by the ETRTO and most vehicle manufacturers. When in doubt, consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a qualified tire professional. For U.S. tire safety standards and recalls, see the NHTSA Tire Safety page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safe. The overall diameter differs by -0.46%, width changes by 20mm.

Speedometer error will be -0.46%. At an indicated 100 km/h, actual speed is about 99.5 km/h.

Ground clearance changes by -1.7mm per side.