The performance of a vehicle is not just because of its engine size. Instead, the aggregate of the individual performances of various parts, including the tires, determines the overall performance.
Tire manufacturers produce tires in a certain way for a reason, and certain vehicles have distinctive tire designs that suit their needs.
For instance, compact cars are equipped with tires that perform best on highways compared to driving off-road.
The tire industry is divided over the differences between the 275/55R20 and 275/60R20 sizes as these are made for larger SUVs and pickup trucks, yet there are significant differences between the two.
Even though people are knowledgeable about tire brands, speed ratings, and other topics, they rarely discuss the difference in tire size.
In our guide, you can look at these two tires and compare the differences. By the end, you’ll see how the diameter differs, as well as the tire sizes.
One could be better for your SUV at higher speeds, while the other is more suited to mud plugging off-road. Either way, you’ll know how to pick between the two to meet your needs.
What is 275/55R20 Tire?
Firstly, it is essential to understand that the expression “275/55R20” contains a four-part measurement that describes the type of tire. It is further broken down as follows:
- 275 – Tire width in millimeters (10.82 inches)
- 55 – Tire aspect ratio of height/width
- R – Radial construction
- 20 – Rim diameter (in inches)
From the above, you can easily describe a 275/55R20 tire as a vehicle tire with 10.82 inches section width, 20.00 inches rim diameter, 7.50 inches – 9.50 inches rim width range and 31.91inches overall diameter.
This type of tire is designed for large pickup trucks like RAM 1500, Ford F–150, Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Suburban, Jeep Wrangler, etc. If you own any of the pickup trucks listed above, kindly ensure to get the best 275/55R20 tires whenever you need a replacement.
what is 275/60R20 Tire?
Now that you already understand the tag “275/60R20” from the description of the 275/55R20 tire above, it is pretty straightforward to describe this particular tire and extract the differences between 275/60R20 Vs. 275/50R20.
Therefore, a 275/60R20 tire is a large SUV or pickup truck tire with 10.8 inches section width, 20.00 inches rim diameter, 103.6 inches circumference, and 33 inches overall diameter.
This tire is further designed to deliver 612 revolutions per mile, and they are mounted on 7.5 inches – 9.5 inches wide wheels.
The 275/60R20 tires are also manufactured for use in larger SUVs and pickup trucks like GMC Yukon, Toyota Tundra, Ford F–150, Dodge RAM 1500, etc.
Differences between 275/55R20 Vs. 275/60R20
This table offers a side-by-side comparison of tire sizes 275/60r20 and 275/55r20, allowing you to better comprehend their differences.
| Feature | 275/55r20 | 275/60r20 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 31.91″ | 32.99″ | 1.08 in (3.4%) |
| Width | 10.83″ | 10.83″ | Same |
| Circumference | 100.25″ | 103.65″ | 3.4 in (3.4%) |
| Sidewall Height | 5.95″ | 6.5″ | 0.54 in (9.1%) |
| Revolutions | 632.04 | 611.3 | 20.74 (3.3%) |
Alternative Tire Size for 275/55r20
The table above shows the tire size, overall diameter, and difference in percentage between each tire size and the tire with the smallest overall diameter in the list (255/55R20). The overall diameter is measured in inches and millimeters.
| 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% |
Alternative Tire Size for 275/60r20
The table shows various tire sizes, their overall diameter in inches and millimeters, and the percentage difference in overall diameter compared to a reference tire size.
| Tire Size | Overall Diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 255/60R20 | 32″ (814 mm) | -2.9% |
| 305/50R20 | 32″ (814 mm) | -2.9% |
| 285/55R20 | 32.4″ (822 mm) | -1.9% |
| 315/50R20 | 32.4″ (824 mm) | -1.7% |
| 265/60R20 | 32.5″ (826 mm) | -1.4% |
| 295/55R20 | 32.8″ (832 mm) | -0.7% |
| 325/50R20 | 32.8″ (834 mm) | -0.5% |
| 305/55R20 | 33.2″ (844 mm) | 0.7% |
| 375/45R20 | 33.3″ (846 mm) | 1% |
| 285/60R20 | 33.5″ (850 mm) | 1.4% |
| 295/60R20 | 33.9″ (862 mm) | 2.9% |
Performance Differences between 275/55R20 Vs. 275/60R20
#1. Overall Diameter.
Outer diameter is a tire’s entire size. It’s measured by the top sidewall above the wheel and the lower sidewall height where it touches the ground.
In a tire size comparison, you can see the 275/60R20 diameter is 33-inches, and the diameter differs from 275/55 R20’s 31.9 inches.
275/55R20 and 275/60R20 are the same size. There are some important distinctions between these two tires.
Tire size figures show you how big your wheels will be and what rim diameter you need. Each tire’s width controls how much rubber touches the road when driving.
Both sizes are 20-inch rims—the number refers to their diameter. Larger diameter tires give superior hydroplaning resistance, traction, and handling in wet situations.
Suppose you have limited space under your car’s hood or fender well. In that case, a larger-diameter tire may not be suitable because it could interfere with other components mounted on the car like air filters or intake pipes, etc., unlike your current tires.
#2. Tread Width.
In terms of tread width, the 275/60R20 and 275/55R20 tires share similarities. Specifically, both tires possess a tread width of 275mm, which is considered wide enough to offer adequate grip and stability on various types of road surfaces.
#3. Rim Diameter.
Another key difference between the two tire sizes is their rim diameter. The 275/60r20 has a rim diameter of 20 inches, while the 275/55r20 has a rim diameter of 20 inches.
This means that both tires are compatible with the same rim size, so you don’t have to worry about buying new rims.
#4. Sidewall Height.
The sidewall height is the distance between the rim and the outer edge of the tire. The 275/60r20 has a sidewall height of 6.5 inches, while the 275/55r20 has a sidewall height of 5.95 inches.
This means that the 275/60r20 has a taller sidewall than the 275/55r20, which can provide a smoother ride and better shock absorption. However, a taller sidewall can also make the tire more prone to rolling when taking sharp turns at high speeds.
#5. Wheel Circumference.
Circumference measures a particular tire and its outer edge. This includes tire width. Circumference helps a vehicle balance and brake quickly.
Larger size tires circumferences provide better balance and braking. Since the 275/60R20 has a 103.6-inch circumference, it will provide superior balance and braking. Unfortunately, this isn’t 275/55R20 riding quality.
#6. Aspect Ratio.
A vehicle’s tire aspect ratio shows the cross-height section to breadth.
- 275/60R20 has a 60% aspect ratio.
- 275/55R20 has a 55% aspect ratio.
Even though both tires are the same width, the aspect ratio must be considered for one vehicle to another.
Lower aspect ratios, such as those of the 275/55R20 tire, have a lower height-to-width ratio. This means that you’ll get more measured sidewall and less tread if you choose this size of tire construction.
Higher aspect tires are wider and give your vehicle more stability than lower ones. A 75 series tire has a ratio of 75/25 while an 80 series one is 80/20.
The best way to choose between these two options is by considering your driving habits and the right tire size: if you’re looking for something sporty and fast, go with lower-profile tires.
If you need something stable for hauling or towing heavy loads on rough terrain, opt for a higher profile with the right tire size and better handling characteristics off-road.
Pros and Cons Of 275/60R20 & 275/55R20
#A. 275/60R20.
Pros of 275/60R20
Enhanced Comfort: These tires have extended sidewalls and thus provide better absorption of shock on rough roads.
Improved Ground Clearance: It has a larger diameter that offers better enhancement when it comes to the ground clearance to prevent cases of damage.
Better Off-Road Performance: They get more sidewall height, which also improves the tire’s adjustability on irregular terrains.
Cons of 275/60R20
Reduced Handling Precision: They may slightly affect stability and response slightly due to the increase in the height of the sidewalls, when driving at high speeds and taking sharp bends.
Increased Rolling Resistance: Its size can impact its fuel efficiency, particularly on urban roads.
#B. 275/55R20.
Pros of 275/55R20
Responsive Handling: Leeser sidewall height of the tires increase sensitivity to turning instructions, and therefore provides better stability.
Ideal for City Driving: This tire is good for comfort and grip, and works well on city streets.
Better Fuel Efficiency: Due to reduced diameter, minimum rolling resistance can enhance the fuel efficiency.
Cons of 275/55R20
Reduced Comfort on Rough Roads: The short sidewall does not provide a cushion when driving over rough terrains, bumps, and uneven roads.
Lower Ground Clearance: Lower clearance can be considered a disadvantage on off-road surfaces due to restricted off-road performance.
Can I use 275/55R20 instead of 275/60R20?
The answer to that question is no, you cannot use a smaller tire in place of a larger one. The reason for that is simple: it’s unsafe and illegal!
Tire manufacturers design their tires with very specific dimensions for a reason, which is to ensure your vehicle remains safe on the road at all times.
Doing otherwise would mean risking your safety along with those around you by driving on tires that are not up to code or meant for your car and its needs.
The size of your tires is measured by its width (measured in millimeters), its profile (the aspect ratio between height and width), and its diameter (measured in inches). In that case, you are talking about a 20-inch tire with either a 5.5 or 6 sidewall.
As you may have noticed, there is no set answer to which tire has a bigger diameter as both are equally wide but it’s only one number that separates them: 10 millimeters!
If you are looking to replace your existing tires, there is no reason why you should look for a smaller size.
Likely, you would only end up with a less safe and less functional product that doesn’t meet your needs!
So if you’re not sure about what size tire you should be looking for, it would be safer to ask your dealer for help.
That way, he or she can verify what size tires you need and ensure that you’ll be driving on a safe and reliable product that will serve your needs now and in years to come!
Choosing the Correct Tire
Before choosing a tire, you have to make the following considerations according to your driving needs and budget.
Vehicle Compatibility
Both of these sizes are standard on trucks and SUVs but there are some vehicles which will run better on one size as compared to the other. It is also important to measure the recommended tire size before purchasing the tire as per the manufacturer’s standards.
On/Off Road Traction
For both 275/60R20 and 275/55R20, all-season, all-terrain, and mud-terrain tread patterns are available. The choice depends on the type of roads used regularly.
All-Season Tires: Designed for use in the city and on highways.
All-Terrain Tires: Applicable for on road and off road vehicles.
Mud-Terrain Tires: It is suitable for use by off road enthusiasts.
Cost Considerations
Surprisingly, both sizes are easily found in different tire shops and, therefore, the cost may vary depending on the brand and tire model.
In general, 275/60R20 may be a bit more expensive in terms of the size difference but differences in prices are usually more dependent on brands of the particular tires.
FAQs.
Q: How much taller is a 275/60R20 than a 275/55R20?
It is important to compare vehicle tires for several reasons, including durability and performance.
However, 275/55R20 Vs. 275/60R20 tires comparison is beyond durability and performance. The overall diameter and other features are key factors not to escape consideration, as highlighted below in this table.
| Parameters | 275/60R20 | 275/55R20 | Difference |
| Section width | 10.8 inches | 10.8 inches | 0 inch (0%) |
| Overall Diameter | 33 inches | 31.9 inches | +1.1 inch (+3.4%) |
| Circumference | 103.6 inches | 100.2 inches | +3.4 inches (+3.4%) |
| Revs per mile | 612 | 651.84 | -39.84 (-6.5%) |
| Sidewall height | 6.5 inches | 6 inches | +0.5 inch (+9.1%) |
| Aspect Ratio | 60 | 55 | +5 (+3.5%) |
Therefore, from the analysis in the table above, 275/60R20 is about 33.0″ tall, while 275/55R20 is around 31.9″. This simply means 275/60R20 tires are 1.1 inches taller than 275/55R20 tires, which is approximately a +3.4% difference.
Q: What is a 275/60R20 equivalent to?
275/60R20 tire size calculator reveals that the tire is designed with a 32.99 inches diameter, 10.83 width inches, 103.65 circumference inches, and 6.5 sidewall height inches.
This measurement is equivalent to 838mm (diameter), 275mm (width), 2632.71mm (circumference), and 165mm (sidewall height).
The measurement of the tire can be expressed in either way. However, 275/60R20 tires are known to be 33.0″ tall. This height is a significant unique factor that distinguishes the tires from 275/55R20 tires.
Q: What size tire is P275/55R20?
A P275/55R20 tire is a passenger tire (P) with 10.83 inches section width, 20.00 inches rim diameter, 7.50 – 9.50 rim width range, and 31.91 overall diameters. The table below depicts a simple breakdown of the tire measurement.
| Parameters | Measurement |
| Overall Diameter | 31.91 inches |
| Section Width | 10.83 inches |
| Rim Diameter | 20.00 inches |
| Rim Width Range | 7.50 in – 9.50 inches |
The P275/55R20 tires are powerful tires with great durability and performance. They are mostly used on larger SUVs and pickup trucks.
Some of the vehicles in this category include; Ford F–150, Chevrolet Suburban, RAM 1500, Toyota Tundra, GMC Yukon, Jeep Wrangler, and Cadillac Escalade.
Q: Will 275/60R20 fit Stock Silverado?
Of course, 275/600R20 tires will fit a Stock Silverado perfectly. As a matter of fact, a Stock Silverado is designed to accommodate 31.6″ tires like 265/65R18 and 33″ tires like 275/60R20 based on factory standards.
However, a Stock Silverado can also accommodate tires with an extra inch, like 33.5″. In any case, it is essential to ensure that the tires on your Stock Silverado are within the range designed for use on the vehicle based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Q: Will 275/60R20 fit Stock Tundra?
Yes, 275/60R20 tires will fit a Stock Tundra when you replace your old tires with this specification. They are generally designed to fit larger SUVs and pickup trucks. Besides a Stock Tundra, the tires also fit in Toyota Tundra, RAM 1500, Silverado 1500, etc.
So, if you drive any of the vehicles outlined above, you can conveniently replace their current tires with 275/60R20 tires. They are designed to fit just perfectly. However, ensure that you fix them properly or contact an expert technician to install them perfectly.
Q: What is the circumference of a 275/60R20 tire?
A 275/60R20 tire has 103.65 inches in circumference, which is equivalent to 2632.71 millimeters. The wheel circumference enables a vehicle’s tire to gain stability on the road and maximize a shortened braking distance.
For instance, vehicle tires with larger wheel circumferences will most likely be more stable and engage the brake faster than those with a smaller circumference.
A 275/60R20 has a perfect wheel circumference for large pickup trucks like Toyota Tundra, RAM 1500, Silverado 1500, etc.
Final Words
Distinguishing the tires at a heated debate 275/55R20 Vs. 275/60R20 in this article reveals a vital point. That is, although some vehicle components may be in variants with one another, they may not necessarily be the same.
Therefore, it is important to consider whatever components you’re replacing before choosing another product that appears to be compatible.