275/70R18 vs 275/60R20

275/60R20 is 0.17 in (4.2 mm) shorter than 275/70R18, a −0.50% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 275/70R18, an indicated 60 mph is 59.7 mph on 275/60R20.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.50%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 275/60R20 is a near match for 275/70R18; 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: 275/70R18 (33.16 in) vs 275/60R20 (32.99 in)275/70R1833.16 in × 10.83 in275/60R2032.99 in × 10.83 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
275/70R18 vs 275/60R20 differences
Measurement275/70R18275/60R20Difference% diff
Overall diameter33.16 in (842.2 mm)32.99 in (838.0 mm)−0.17 in (−4.2 mm)−0.50%
Sidewall height7.58 in (192.5 mm)6.50 in (165.0 mm)−1.08 in (−27.5 mm)−14.29%
Section width10.83 in (275.0 mm)10.83 in (275.0 mm)0.00 in (0.0 mm)0.00%
Circumference104.17 in (2,645.8 mm)103.65 in (2,632.7 mm)−0.52 in (−13.2 mm)−0.50%
Revolutions per mile608611+3+0.50%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 275/70R18
IndicatedActual on 275/70R18Actual on 275/60R20Difference
30 mph30.0 mph29.9 mph−0.1 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.7 mph−0.3 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.6 mph−0.4 mph

Ride-height change: 275/60R20 lowers the vehicle by 0.08 in (2.1 mm) at the axle (half the −4.2 mm diameter difference).

275/60R20 is 0.17 in shorter than 275/70R18 and the same width, a 0.50% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 275/70R18, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.7 mph on 275/60R20, and revolutions per mile change from 608 to 611.

275/60R20 mounts on a 20-inch wheel, a plus-2 fitment from the 18-inch wheel of 275/70R18.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 275/70R18

Other comparisons with 275/60R20

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