285/50 R20 Tyre Size — Meaning, Fitment & Alternatives
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What 285/50 R20 means
285/50 R20 is a 285 mm wide tyre with a sidewall 50% of that width (142 mm), on a 20-inch rim. Overall diameter works out at about 793 mm (31.2 in). It typically fits family hatchbacks, saloons and estates in the Golf, Focus and Octavia class.
UK: check prices for 285/50 R20 tyres at Tirendo US: check 285/50 R20 prices at WheelHero
285/50 R20 broken down
| Code part | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 285 | Section width in millimetres, sidewall to sidewall |
| Profile (aspect ratio) | 50 | Sidewall height as a percentage of width — 142 mm here |
| R | Radial | Radial construction (standard on modern car tyres) |
| Rim | 20 | Wheel diameter in inches (508 mm) |
Computed dimensions
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 793 mm (31.2 in) |
| Circumference | 2491 mm (98.1 in) |
| Sidewall height | 142 mm |
| Revolutions per mile | ≈ 646 |
| Revolutions per km | ≈ 401 |
These are computed reference values from the size code arithmetic — actual measurements vary slightly by brand and model. Working in different units? Convert mm to inches with the unit converters at 247QuickTools.
Tyre Owner Essentials
Typical vehicles
A mainstream car fitment. Expect wide availability across budget, mid-range and premium brands, with the sweet spot on price usually in the mid-range. To confirm the exact original-equipment sizes for your car, look up your car's full specs, including OE tyre sizes, at 247VehicleCheck.
Checking your current tread? Owners often keep a tread depth gauge in the glovebox — UK legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
Speed and load ratings commonly sold in 285/50 R20
Tyres in this size are usually sold in higher speed ratings — V (149 mph), W (168 mph) and Y (186 mph) — with load indices matched to performance and premium models. See the full speed rating table and load index table for what each code is rated to.
Alternative & equivalent sizes (±3% diameter)
Sizes within ±3% of this tyre's 793 mm overall diameter keep your speedometer and gearing close to accurate. Always check clearance, rim width compatibility and load rating before switching, and never mix constructions across an axle.
| Alternative size | Overall diameter | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 285/45 R21 | 790 mm | -0.4% |
| 255/65 R18 | 789 mm | -0.5% |
| 275/65 R17 | 789 mm | -0.5% |
| 255/55 R20 | 788 mm | -0.6% |
| 255/60 R19 | 789 mm | -0.6% |
| 275/60 R18 | 787 mm | -0.7% |
| 285/40 R22 | 787 mm | -0.8% |
| 285/60 R18 | 799 mm | +0.8% |
| 275/55 R19 | 785 mm | -1.0% |
| 265/65 R18 | 802 mm | +1.1% |
Tyre pressure for 285/50 R20
Correct pressure depends on your vehicle and load, not on the tyre size alone — always follow the placard inside the driver's door or the handbook. Typical car pressures fall between 30 and 36 psi. For psi-to-bar maths, the calculators at 247Calculators can help. A monthly check with an accurate gauge catches slow leaks before they wear the shoulders.
Recommended Accessories
FAQ
What does 285/50 R20 mean?
285/50 R20 means the tyre is 285 mm wide, its sidewall is 50% of that width (142 mm), and it fits a 20-inch wheel. The R stands for radial construction.
What is the overall diameter of a 285/50 R20 tyre?
About 793 mm (31.2 inches), computed from the size code: 20-inch rim plus two sidewalls of 142 mm. Actual measurements vary slightly by brand.
Can I fit a different size instead of 285/50 R20?
Only if the alternative stays within about ±3%% of the original overall diameter, fits your rim width, clears the bodywork and meets the placard's load and speed ratings. When in doubt, keep the placard size.
What pressure should 285/50 R20 tyres run at?
Pressure is set by the vehicle, not the tyre size — check the placard inside the driver's door or your handbook. Typical car values fall between 30 and 36 psi.
Related pages on this site
Last updated:
Data: computed reference values (ETRTO tyre-size arithmetic), build date 22 July 2026. Reference only — always follow your vehicle manufacturer's placard or handbook.