Tire size in inches and millimeters
255/45R20 tire size in inches
A 255/45R20 tire is 29.04 inches tall (737.5 mm) and 10.04 inches wide (255 mm), with a 4.52-inch sidewall (114.8 mm). In inch notation that is about 29.0x10.0R20, close to a 29-inch tire (nominal).
Its circumference is 91.22 inches (2,316.9 mm), or about 695 revolutions per mile.
Nominal 255/45R20 dimensions
- Overall diameter
- 29.04 in737.5 mm
- Section width
- 10.04 in255 mm
- Sidewall height
- 4.52 in114.8 mm
- Circumference
- 91.22 in2,316.9 mm
- Rim diameter
- 20 in
- Revolutions per mile
- 695nominal, from geometric circumference
- Inch notation
- 29.0x10.0R20approximate
Where 255/45R20 fits
- Inch class: 29.04 in is within 0.1 in of a true 29 inches, so the 29-inch label is close to exact.
- Profile: the 20-inch rim plus two 4.52 in sidewalls make up the overall diameter, and the sidewalls are 31% of it. At 45 series that is a low profile: less sidewall between the rim and the road, so the ride is usually firmer and the wheel is more exposed to potholes and curbs.
- Same 20-inch rim: 255/45R20 is the tallest 20-inch size in the catalog. The next shorter is 285/40R20 (28.98 in, -0.20%).
- Same 255 mm width: the closest in diameter are 255/35R22 (29.03 in, -0.03%), 255/40R21 (29.03 in, -0.01%), 255/65R16 (29.05 in, +0.05%), 255/70R15 (29.06 in, +0.07%). At the same width, a different profile or rim changes sidewall height and overall diameter, not section width.
Reading the marking: 255 is the section width in millimeters, 45 is the sidewall height as a percentage of that width, and R20 means radial construction for a 20-inch rim. Percentages are measured from 255/45R20.
Similar sizes on other rim diameters
Within 3% of 255/45R20's overall diameter, nearest first. The speed column is the actual speed when a speedometer calibrated for 255/45R20 reads 60 mph.
| Size | Overall diameter | Diameter change | At 60 mph indicated | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 255/40R21 | 29.03 in | -0.01% | 59.99 mph | Comparison page for 255/45R20 vs 255/40R21 |
| 235/65R17 | 29.03 in | -0.03% | 59.98 mph | No comparison page |
| 255/35R22 | 29.03 in | -0.03% | 59.98 mph | Comparison page for 255/45R20 vs 255/35R22 |
| 255/65R16 | 29.05 in | +0.05% | 60.03 mph | No comparison page |
| 255/70R15 | 29.06 in | +0.07% | 60.04 mph | No comparison page |
| 235/60R18 | 29.10 in | +0.23% | 60.14 mph | No comparison page |
For a size without a comparison page, open 255/45R20 in the calculator and enter that size as the proposed tire.
Important: These results compare nominal dimensions. They do not confirm vehicle fitment. Actual clearance varies by tire model, approved rim width, wheel construction, suspension, alignment, body tolerances, steering angle, load, and brake geometry. Verify load and speed ratings and physically test-fit the complete setup before driving.
Physical checks before changing size
- Approved rim-width range for the exact tire model
- Load index and speed rating equal to or greater than vehicle requirements
- Brake-caliper, hub, and wheel-fastener compatibility
- Fender, liner, suspension, and full-lock steering clearance
- Clearance at full compression and under expected load
- Alignment, tire pressure, and manufacturer guidance
- Professional inspection when variance or clearance is uncertain
Compare another setup
See diameter, speedometer, ride-height, and wheel-position changes.
The calculator opens with 255/45R20 as the current tire and 255/40R21, the published comparison closest in overall diameter, as the proposed tire. Change either size; wheel details stay unknown until you supply them.
Compare 255/45R20 with 255/40R21 in the calculatorPublished comparisons for 255/45R20
3 of 5 keep the 20-inch rim. Diameter changes are measured from 255/45R20.
Same 20-inch rim
- 255/45R20 vs 245/45R20 -1.22% diameter
- 255/45R20 vs 265/40R20 -2.37% diameter
- 255/45R20 vs 275/40R20 -1.29% diameter
Larger wheels (plus sizing)
- 255/45R20 vs 255/35R22 -0.03% diameter
- 255/45R20 vs 255/40R21 -0.01% diameter
Size source and limits
Listed in Michelin's size listing, checked September 5, 2026. This confirms a listed size, not current stock, measured tire dimensions, or vehicle compatibility.
Read the formulas and source policy. Read the editorial and corrections policy.