285/60R20 in Inches: Tire Dimensions, Performance, and Comparison Guide

The 285/60R20 tire measures 33.0 inches (838 mm) in overall diameter, 11.2 inches (285 mm) in tread width, and fits a 20-inch (508 mm) wheel. Its sidewall height is 6.7 inches (171 mm), with a circumference of 103.6 inches (2632 mm), giving about 611 revolutions per mile (380 per kilometer).

This size delivers a solid mix of traction, stability, and ride comfort, making it a versatile choice for light trucks and SUVs used on highways, city streets, and light off-road terrain.

Visit my blog for expert guides on different tire sizes to help you make a well-informed purchasing decision.

285/60R20 Tire Dimensions in Inches and Millimeters

The 285/60R20 tire size offers a practical combination of performance and comfort. Here’s how the dimensions break down:

These dimensions highlight how this tire offers a balance between a sturdy, high-performing design and comfort for both city roads and off-road adventures.

Understanding 285/60R20: What Do the Numbers Mean?

The numbers 285/60R20 might seem complicated at first, but breaking them down reveals vital details about the tire.

• 285: The first number represents the tire’s width, measured in millimeters. In this case, it’s 285 mm, which translates to about 11.2 inches.
• 60: The second number is the aspect ratio, which describes the height of the tire’s sidewall as a percentage of the tire’s width. Here, 60% of 285 mm gives us a sidewall height of 171 mm (about 6.7 inches).
• R: The R stands for Radial construction, the most common type of tire construction used today, ensuring durability and flexibility.
• 20: The final number indicates the diameter of the wheel that the tire fits, measured in inches. This tire fits a 20-inch wheel.
  

How to Convert 285/60R20 Into Inches?

If you want to convert the 285/60R20 tire size into inches, here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

• Width Conversion: The first number in the tire size represents the width in millimeters. To convert this to inches, divide by 25.4 (since there are 25.4 millimeters in an inch).
  
  • 285 mm ÷ 25.4 = 11.2 inches
    
• Sidewall Height Calculation: The second number (60) is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the tire’s sidewall as a percentage of its width. To calculate the sidewall height in inches:
  
  • 285 mm × 0.60 = 171 mm (sidewall height)
    
  • 171 mm ÷ 25.4 = 6.7 inches
    
• Overall Diameter Calculation: The overall diameter of the tire includes the sidewall height on both the top and bottom, plus the wheel diameter. So:
  
  • (6.7 inches × 2) + 20 inches (wheel diameter) = 33.5 inches (overall diameter)
    
• Circumference Calculation: The circumference is calculated by multiplying the overall diameter by π (3.1416):
  
  • 33.5 inches × 3.1416 = 105.2 inches (circumference)
    
• Revolutions per Mile Calculation: Revolutions per mile are determined by dividing the total number of inches in a mile (63,360 inches) by the tire’s circumference:
  
  • 63,360 ÷ 105.2 inches = 602 revolutions per mile
    

By following these steps, you can convert the 285/60R20 tire size into inches and understand its key dimensions.

285/60R20 Tire Circumference and Revolutions

The circumference and revolutions of a tire play a key role in how the tire interacts with the road, influencing vehicle performance, speed readings, and fuel efficiency. Let’s break down how these are calculated for the 285/60R20 tire.

Tire Circumference:

The circumference is the distance a tire covers in one complete rotation. For the 285/60R20 tire, the overall diameter is 33.5 inches (850 mm). The formula to calculate the circumference is:

• Circumference = Diameter × π (3.1416)
  

So, for the 285/60R20 tire:

• Circumference = 33.5 inches × 3.1416 ≈ 105.2 inches
  

This means that each time the tire rotates once, it covers 105.2 inches of ground.

Revolutions Per Mile:

Revolutions per mile indicate how many times the tire rotates to cover one mile. To find this, we divide the total number of inches in a mile (63,360 inches) by the tire’s circumference:

• Revolutions per mile = 63,360 ÷ 105.2 inches ≈ 602
  

This means the 285/60R20 tire makes about 602 revolutions per mile.

Impact on Performance:

• Speedometer Accuracy: With a set number of revolutions per mile, a larger tire like the 285/60R20 could slightly lower the reading on your speedometer, making it appear as though you’re driving slower than you actually are.
  
• Fuel Efficiency: Larger tires, with their fewer revolutions per mile, may offer slightly improved highway fuel efficiency as they reduce engine load and improve rolling efficiency.
  

Understanding these measurements helps you choose the right tire for your needs, optimizing everything from speedometer accuracy to fuel economy.

285/60R20 vs Other Tire Sizes: Key Differences

When comparing 285/60R20 tires with other common sizes, it’s important to consider factors like width, overall diameter, sidewall height, and the type of driving. Here are some comparisons to help you make an informed choice.

285/60R20 vs 275/65R20: Comfort vs Durability

Which One to Choose?

• 285/60R20 is ideal if you want a balance of durability, performance, and handling.
  
• 275/65R20 is better if comfort and fuel efficiency are a higher priority.
  

285/60R20 vs 275/60R18: Off-Road Comfort vs Road Handling

Which One to Choose?

• 285/60R20 offers better handling on-road and balanced off-road performance.
  
• 275/60R18 is ideal for those seeking more sidewall height for off-road comfort but prefer a smaller wheel.

285/60R20 vs 305/60R20: Stability vs Traction

Which One to Choose?

• 285/60R20 is suitable for a mix of road and light off-road use with good overall performance.
  
• 305/60R20 is better for those needing extra traction, especially for off-road conditions.
  

Best Tire Options in the 285/60R20 Size

Several tire manufacturers offer the 285/60R20 size, catering to different driving needs. Whether you’re looking for a tire for daily commuting or serious off-roading, there are numerous options to choose from.

All-Terrain Tires

These are ideal for those who frequently drive on mixed terrains, including highways and dirt roads. Tires like the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 or Toyo Open Country A/T III provide durability and comfort for light trucks and SUVs.

All-Season Tires

For those who drive primarily on paved roads, all-season tires like the Michelin Defender LTX M/S offer long-lasting tread life, a smooth ride, and dependable traction in various weather conditions.

Mud-Terrain Tires

For off-road enthusiasts, the Nitto Trail Grappler M/T is a great choice. With an aggressive tread pattern designed to handle mud, sand, and other challenging terrains, these tires are built for those who take their vehicles off the beaten path regularly.

For more information on tire repair, don’t hesitate to check out our expert tire repair services.

FAQs 

Q. What does 285/60R20 mean?

The 285/60R20 tire size refers to a tire that is 285 mm wide, with a 60% aspect ratio, and fits a 20-inch wheel. The “R” indicates radial construction.

Q. How do I convert 285/60R20 to inches?

To convert 285/60R20 to inches, divide the width (285 mm) by 25.4, yielding 11.2 inches, and calculate the overall diameter as 33.5 inches.

Q. What is the circumference of a 285/60R20 tire?

The circumference of a 285/60R20 tire is approximately 105.2 inches, calculated by multiplying the diameter by pi (3.1416).

Q. How many revolutions per mile does a 285/60R20 tire make?

A 285/60R20 tire makes about 602 revolutions per mile, based on its circumference of 105.2 inches.