225/50R19 vs 255/40R20

255/40R20 is 0.17 in (4.4 mm) taller than 225/50R19, a +0.62% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 225/50R19, an indicated 60 mph is 60.4 mph on 255/40R20.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +0.62%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 255/40R20 is a near match for 225/50R19; 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: 225/50R19 (27.86 in) vs 255/40R20 (28.03 in)225/50R1927.86 in × 8.86 in255/40R2028.03 in × 10.04 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
225/50R19 vs 255/40R20 differences
Measurement225/50R19255/40R20Difference% diff
Overall diameter27.86 in (707.6 mm)28.03 in (712.0 mm)+0.17 in (+4.4 mm)+0.62%
Sidewall height4.43 in (112.5 mm)4.02 in (102.0 mm)−0.41 in (−10.5 mm)−9.33%
Section width8.86 in (225.0 mm)10.04 in (255.0 mm)+1.18 in (+30.0 mm)+13.33%
Circumference87.52 in (2,223.0 mm)88.06 in (2,236.8 mm)+0.54 in (+13.8 mm)+0.62%
Revolutions per mile724719−4−0.62%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 225/50R19
IndicatedActual on 225/50R19Actual on 255/40R20Difference
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: 255/40R20 raises the vehicle by 0.09 in (2.2 mm) at the axle (half the +4.4 mm diameter difference).

255/40R20 is 0.17 in taller than 225/50R19 and 30 mm wider, a 0.62% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 225/50R19, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.4 mph on 255/40R20, and revolutions per mile change from 724 to 719.

255/40R20 mounts on a 20-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 19-inch wheel of 225/50R19.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 225/50R19

Other comparisons with 255/40R20

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