285/35R18 vs 255/30R20

255/30R20 is 0.17 in (4.3 mm) taller than 285/35R18, a +0.65% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 285/35R18, an indicated 60 mph is 60.4 mph on 255/30R20.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.65%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 255/30R20 is a near match for 285/35R18; 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: 285/35R18 (25.85 in) vs 255/30R20 (26.02 in)285/35R1825.85 in × 11.22 in255/30R2026.02 in × 10.04 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
285/35R18 vs 255/30R20 differences
Measurement285/35R18255/30R20Difference% diff
Overall diameter25.85 in (656.7 mm)26.02 in (661.0 mm)+0.17 in (+4.3 mm)+0.65%
Sidewall height3.93 in (99.8 mm)3.01 in (76.5 mm)−0.92 in (−23.2 mm)−23.31%
Section width11.22 in (285.0 mm)10.04 in (255.0 mm)−1.18 in (−30.0 mm)−10.53%
Circumference81.22 in (2,063.1 mm)81.76 in (2,076.6 mm)+0.53 in (+13.5 mm)+0.65%
Revolutions per mile780775−5−0.65%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 285/35R18
IndicatedActual on 285/35R18Actual on 255/30R20Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.2 mph+0.2 mph
60 mph60.0 mph60.4 mph+0.4 mph
75 mph75.0 mph75.5 mph+0.5 mph

Ride-height change: 255/30R20 raises the vehicle by 0.08 in (2.1 mm) at the axle (half the +4.3 mm diameter difference).

255/30R20 is 0.17 in taller than 285/35R18 and 30 mm narrower, a 0.65% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 285/35R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.4 mph on 255/30R20, and revolutions per mile change from 780 to 775.

255/30R20 mounts on a 20-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 18-inch wheel of 285/35R18.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 285/35R18

Other comparisons with 255/30R20

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