275/70R18 vs 33x12.50R20

33x12.50R20 is 0.16 in (4.0 mm) shorter than 275/70R18, a −0.47% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 275/70R18, an indicated 60 mph is 59.7 mph on 33x12.50R20.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.47%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 33x12.50R20 is a near match for 275/70R18; 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: 275/70R18 (33.16 in) vs 33x12.50R20 (33.00 in)275/70R1833.16 in × 10.83 in33x12.50R2033.00 in × 12.50 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
275/70R18 vs 33x12.50R20 differences
Measurement275/70R1833x12.50R20Difference% diff
Overall diameter33.16 in (842.2 mm)33.00 in (838.2 mm)−0.16 in (−4.0 mm)−0.47%
Sidewall height7.58 in (192.5 mm)6.50 in (165.1 mm)−1.08 in (−27.4 mm)−14.23%
Section width10.83 in (275.0 mm)12.50 in (317.5 mm)+1.67 in (+42.5 mm)+15.45%
Circumference104.17 in (2,645.8 mm)103.67 in (2,633.3 mm)−0.49 in (−12.6 mm)−0.47%
Revolutions per mile608611+3+0.48%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 275/70R18
IndicatedActual on 275/70R18Actual on 33x12.50R20Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.7 mph−0.3 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.6 mph−0.4 mph

Ride-height change: 33x12.50R20 lowers the vehicle by 0.08 in (2.0 mm) at the axle (half the −4.0 mm diameter difference).

33x12.50R20 is 0.16 in shorter than 275/70R18 and 43 mm wider, a 0.47% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 275/70R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.7 mph on 33x12.50R20, and revolutions per mile change from 608 to 611.

33x12.50R20 mounts on a 20-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 18-inch wheel of 275/70R18.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 275/70R18

Other comparisons with 33x12.50R20

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