275/40R18 vs 275/30R20

275/30R20 is 0.17 in (4.2 mm) shorter than 275/40R18, a −0.62% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 275/40R18, an indicated 60 mph is 59.6 mph on 275/30R20.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.62%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 275/30R20 is a near match for 275/40R18; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 275/40R18 (26.66 in) vs 275/30R20 (26.50 in)275/40R1826.66 in × 10.83 in275/30R2026.50 in × 10.83 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
275/40R18 vs 275/30R20 differences
Measurement275/40R18275/30R20Difference% diff
Overall diameter26.66 in (677.2 mm)26.50 in (673.0 mm)−0.17 in (−4.2 mm)−0.62%
Sidewall height4.33 in (110.0 mm)3.25 in (82.5 mm)−1.08 in (−27.5 mm)−25.00%
Section width10.83 in (275.0 mm)10.83 in (275.0 mm)0.00 in (0.0 mm)0.00%
Circumference83.76 in (2,127.5 mm)83.24 in (2,114.3 mm)−0.52 in (−13.2 mm)−0.62%
Revolutions per mile756761+5+0.62%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 275/40R18
IndicatedActual on 275/40R18Actual on 275/30R20Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.8 mph−0.2 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.6 mph−0.4 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.5 mph−0.5 mph

Ride-height change: 275/30R20 lowers the vehicle by 0.08 in (2.1 mm) at the axle (half the −4.2 mm diameter difference).

275/30R20 is 0.17 in shorter than 275/40R18 and the same width, a 0.62% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 275/40R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.6 mph on 275/30R20, and revolutions per mile change from 756 to 761.

275/30R20 mounts on a 20-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 18-inch wheel of 275/40R18.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 275/40R18

Other comparisons with 275/30R20

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.