Tire size meaning

245/45 R20

What the numbers on a 245/45 R20 tire actually mean — width, sidewall, construction and rim — explained in plain language with real-world driving context.

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Direct answer

What does 245/45 R20 mean?

245/45 R20 is a metric tire size: 245 mm wide, a sidewall 45% of that width (110 mm), radial construction, fitted to a 20-inch wheel. Overall diameter ≈ 729 mm.

245
Section width in mm (sidewall to sidewall).
45
Aspect ratio — sidewall is 45% of width (110 mm).
R
Radial construction — the modern layered build.
20
Wheel rim diameter in inches (508 mm).

Ø 729 mm · 28.68″ · 437 revs/km

Section width 245 mmSidewall 110 mmR20 (508 mm)Ø 729 mm (28.68″)

Dimensional breakdown

Section width
245 mm
Aspect ratio
45%
Sidewall height
110.3 mm
Rim diameter
20″ (508.0 mm)
Overall diameter
729 mm
Circumference
2.289 m
Revs per km
437
Construction
Radial (R)

What 245/45 R20 feels like on the road

A 245/45 R20 tire is a low-profile sporty tire. With a sidewall of 110 mm, it gives precise turn-in with a reasonable ride compromise — typical for sport sedans and hot hatches.

The 245 mm contact width delivers maximum contact patch for high-performance and SUV applications. Combined with a 20-inch wheel, this size is most commonly found on performance cars, premium sedans and full-size SUVs.

At highway speed each tire completes about 437 revolutions per kilometre — the figure your speedometer and ABS were calibrated against if 245/45 R20 is the OEM specification.

Common alternatives to 245/45 R20

Sizes within ±3% overall diameter — generally safe swaps for speedometer accuracy and clearance. Click any size to open a full side-by-side comparison.

Driver feel · telemetry

What 245/45 R20 usually feels like

A driver-perspective read on this size — steering, comfort, highway stability and rough-road behavior.

Steering feel

Balanced, OEM-style response

A familiar OEM feel — predictable inputs without trade-offs.

Ride comfort

Comfortable daily ride

A balanced compromise — bumps muted, steering still precise.

Highway stability

Planted at highway speed

Wider contact patch resists crosswinds and tramlining — strong straight-line confidence.

Pothole comfort

Reasonable impact protection

Enough sidewall to protect the rim from typical urban hits.

Sporty vs OEM tone

Balanced everyday character

A factory-style balance between feel, comfort and grip.

Sidewall110 mm
Ø729 mm
Width245 mm
Revs/km437

Related tire sizes for 245/45 R20

Explore neighbouring sizes by intent — similar, wider, lower-profile, OEM-safe, or aggressive. Each link opens a full side-by-side comparison.

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Frequently asked questions