GarageCalc What 265/45R20 means
265 is the section width in millimeters (10.4 in). 45 is the aspect ratio: the sidewall is 45 percent of the width, so 265 × 0.45 = 119 mm (4.7 in). R is radial construction, and 20 is the wheel diameter in inches (508 mm). Stack two sidewalls on the wheel and you get the overall diameter: 508 + 2 × 119 = 747 mm, or 29.4 in.
A full marking adds a load index and speed rating after the size, for example 265/45R20 91V. Those two codes set how much weight and speed the tire is certified for; look them up in the load index chart and the speed rating chart.
Plus and minus sizing from 265/45R20
Going up one wheel size, the closest match is 265/40R21 at -0.1% diameter with a 106 mm sidewall instead of 119 mm. Going down one size, 265/50R19 is +0.1% with a taller 133 mm sidewall for more comfort and pothole margin. Anything inside 3 percent keeps the speedometer, ABS and gearing effectively stock; the comparison calculator shows the full speedometer table for any pair.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a 265/45R20 tire?
29.4 inches (747 mm) in overall diameter: the 20-inch wheel (508 mm) plus two 119 mm sidewalls. Real tires land within about 1 to 2 percent of that depending on brand, tread depth and pressure.
What is 265/45R20 in inches?
29.4 x 10.4 R20: 29.4 inches tall, 10.4 inches wide, on a 20-inch wheel. The sidewall is 4.7 inches and the circumference is 92.3 inches, so the tire turns 686 times per mile.
What tire sizes are equivalent to 265/45R20?
Within 3 percent of the same diameter on the same 20-inch wheel: 245/50R20 (+0.9%), 255/45R20 (-1.2%), 275/45R20 (+1.2%); on a 21-inch wheel: 265/40R21 (-0.1%), 275/40R21 (+0.9%); on a 19-inch wheel: 265/50R19 (+0.1%), 245/55R19 (+0.8%). The percentage is the diameter change, which is also your speedometer error.
Can I use 275/45R20 instead of 265/45R20?
Dimensionally yes: 275/45R20 is 1.2% taller (+9 mm) and 10 mm wider, and at a true 60 mph the speedometer would read 59.3 mph. The extra width needs about 0.20 in of clearance on each side of the tire and a rim width that suits 275 mm.