Tire Size 285/50r20 vs 275/55r20
Your tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, making them one of the most critical components in ensuring your safety on the road. With so many tire options available, selecting the right tire size can be a daunting task.
We will discuss the key factors that differentiate these two tire sizes, including the overall diameter, aspect ratio, tread width, rim diameter, sidewall height, circumference, revolutions, and our observations.
285/50r20 vs 285/55r20 Table
| Metric | 285/50r20 | 285/55r20 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 31.22″ | 32.34″ | 1.12 inches |
| Width | 11.22″ | 11.22″ | Same |
| Circum. | 98.08″ | 101.61″ | 3.53 inches |
| Sidewall Height | 5.61″ | 6.17″ | 0.56 inches |
| Revolutions | 645.99 | 623.58 | 22.41 |
Alternative Tire Size for 285/50r20
It is recommended to select replacement tires that have an overall diameter that is no more than 3% different than the diameter of the original tires.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 265/50R20 | 30.5″ (774 mm) | -2.5% |
| 295/45R20 | 30.5″ (774 mm) | -2.5% |
| 305/45R20 | 30.8″ (782 mm) | -1.5% |
| 275/50R20 | 30.9″ (784 mm) | -1.3% |
| 255/55R20 | 31″ (788 mm) | -0.8% |
| 245/60R20 | 31.6″ (802 mm) | 1% |
| 295/50R20 | 31.7″ (804 mm) | 1.3% |
| 275/55R20 | 31.9″ (810 mm) | 2% |
| 305/50R20 | 32″ (814 mm) | 2.5% |
| 255/60R20 | 32″ (814 mm) | 2.5% |
Alternative Tire Size for 275/55r20
When replacing tires, it is recommended that the overall diameter of the new tires should be no more than 3% different from that of the original tires.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 255/55R20 | 31″ (788 mm) | -2.7% |
| 285/50R20 | 31.3″ (794 mm) | -2% |
| 245/60R20 | 31.6″ (802 mm) | -1% |
| 295/50R20 | 31.7″ (804 mm) | -0.7% |
| 255/60R20 | 32″ (814 mm) | 0.5% |
| 305/50R20 | 32″ (814 mm) | 0.5% |
| 285/55R20 | 32.4″ (822 mm) | 1.5% |
| 315/50R20 | 32.4″ (824 mm) | 1.7% |
| 265/60R20 | 32.5″ (826 mm) | 2% |
| 295/55R20 | 32.8″ (832 mm) | 2.7% |
| 325/50R20 | 32.8″ (834 mm) | 3% |
Tire Diameter
The overall diameter of the tire size can help you determine which size is right for your vehicle. The 285 50r20 has an overall diameter of 31.22 inches, while the 275 55r20 has an overall diameter of 31.91 inches. This means that the 275 55r20 is slightly taller than the 285 50r20. The difference between those two tire sizes is 0.69 inches or 2.2%.
Section Width
The section width of a tire is the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall. The 285 50r20 has a section width of 11.22 inches, while the 275 55r20 has a section width of 10.83 inches. This means that the 285 50r20 is slightly wider than the 275 55r20. The difference between those two tire sizes is 0.39 inches, or about 3.6%.
Circumference
The circumference of a tire is the distance around the outside of the tire. The 285 50r20 has a circumference of 98.08 inches, while the 275 55r20 has a circumference of 100.25 inches. This means that the 275 55r20 is slightly larger than the 285 50r20. The difference between those two tire sizes is 2.16 inches or about 2.2%.
Revolutions Per Mile
The number of revolutions per mile (RPM) is a measure of how fast a tire rotates. The higher the RPM, the faster the tire will rotate. The 285 50r20 has an RPM of 645, while the 275 55r20 has an RPM of 632. This means that the 275 55r20 will rotate slightly slower than the 285 50r20. The difference between those two tire sizes is 13 RPM, or about 2.2%.
Sidewall Height
The sidewall height of a tire is the distance from the edge of the rim to the tread. The 285 50r20 has a sidewall height of 5.61 inches, while the 275 55r20 has a sidewall height of 5.95 inches. This means the 275 55r20 has a slightly taller sidewall than the 285 50r20. The difference between those two tire sizes is 0.34 inches, or about 5.8%.
Wheel Size
The wheel size is the diameter of the wheel that the tire is mounted on. The 285 50r20 can be mounted on a 20-inch diameter wheel, while the 275 55r20 can be mounted on a 20-inch diameter wheel. This means that both can mount on the same size wheel. The difference between those two tire sizes is 0 inches or 0%.
Construction Type
The construction type of a tire is the way the layers of the tire are put together. The 285 50r20 is a radial tire, while the 275 55r20 is also a radial tire. This means that both have the same construction type. The difference between those two tire sizes is nothing in tire construction.
Our Observation
We found that the 285/50r20 tire size provides better handling, improved grip on the road, and a sportier look. On the other hand, the 275/55r20 tire size provides better ground clearance, improved off-road capability, and a more comfortable ride. It’s important to consider your driving needs and preferences when choosing between these two tire sizes.
Another factor to consider is the cost. While the cost may vary depending on the brand and model, generally speaking, the 285/50r20 tire size tends to be more expensive than the 275/55r20 tire size. We hope this comparison has been helpful in guiding you towards the right tire size for your vehicle.
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Meet Caitlin McCormack, a Tire Size Expert and Blogger Passionate About Everything Related to Tires. With Years of Experience in the Tire Industry, Caitlin Has Become an Expert in Tire Sizes and Their Impact on Vehicle Performance.
