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Ag Tire Size Conversion Chart: How to Match Inch and Metric Sizes Safely

Use this agricultural tire conversion chart to compare conventional sizes such as 11.2-24 with metric radial sizes such as 280/85R24—and learn the rim, load, speed, clearance, construction, circumference, and inflation checks required before buying.
Entry357 Date Time9 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The most useful ag tire conversion is a cross-reference, not a mathematical conversion. For example, 11.2-24 is commonly compared with 280/85R24. That pairing helps you find candidate tires, but final fitment still depends on the tractor, wheel, construction, load, speed, dimensions, clearance, rolling circumference, and inflation requirements.

Short answer: the common agricultural-tire cross-reference 11.2-24 is 280/85R24. But that is a comparable size—not automatic proof that the tire is approved for your tractor. Before buying, verify the rim, tire construction, load index, speed rating, overall diameter, rolling circumference, clearance, dual spacing, and the manufacturer’s load-and-inflation table.

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Why ag tire conversions are cross-references, not simple math

A conventional agricultural tire marking such as 11.2-24 and a metric radial marking such as 280/85R24 describe related dimensions in different ways.

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Marking How to read it
11.2-24 Approximately 11.2 inches of nominal section width and a 24-inch rim diameter. The dash commonly identifies the conventional or diagonal/bias format.
280/85R24 Approximately 280 mm of nominal section width, an 85-percent aspect ratio, radial construction (R), and a 24-inch rim diameter.

The slash in a metric marking is not simply a replacement for the dash in an inch marking. The metric size states an aspect ratio explicitly; the conventional marking generally does not express it in the same way. As a result, tires with similar nominal widths can differ in overall diameter, rolling circumference, load capacity, tread width, and clearance.

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Some agricultural tires also carry a load index, speed index, or additional service designation. Those markings matter just as much as the basic width and rim diameter. Michelin’s agricultural tire guidance and product data explain these sidewall markings and provide machine- and tire-specific dimensions, wheel recommendations, loads, speeds, and pressures. [CIT-001] [CIT-003]

Common ag tire size conversion chart

Use the following table to identify a likely metric radial family. Treat every entry as a starting point for research. The exact equivalent depends on the tire brand, tread, construction, approved rim width, load table, and tractor application.

Conventional size Comparable metric radial size Important qualification
9.5-24 250/85R24 Verify availability and the exact manufacturer equivalence.
11.2-20 280/85R20 A comparable 85-series family; confirm dimensions and rim approval.
11.2-24 280/85R24 A commonly documented cross-reference.
11.2-28 280/85R28 Same nominal family with a different rim diameter.
12.4-24 320/85R24 Commonly comparable; check approved rim width.
12.4-28 320/85R28 Commonly comparable; check overall diameter and clearance.
13.6-24 340/85R24 Confirm the tire maker’s load-and-inflation data.
14.9-24 380/85R24 Do not assume every 380/85R24 has the same dimensions or capacity.
14.9-28 380/85R28 Check rim, clearance, and drivetrain requirements.
16.9-24 420/85R24 Verify the actual tire’s approved wheel and load table.
16.9-28 420/85R28 Comparable family, not a universal approval.
18.4-30 460/85R30 or 480/80R30 The different aspect-ratio options make exact verification especially important.

These examples are consistent with manufacturer conversion and technical tables. Bridgestone identifies 11.2-24 with 280/85R24; Continental’s technical information shows conventional inch families alongside comparable 85-series metric sizes and, for some rim families, 80-, 70-, 65-, and 60-series alternatives. Michelin’s AGRIBIB data also lists 11.2R24 and 280/85R24 together with wheel, dimension, load, speed, and pressure information. [CIT-003] [CIT-005] [CIT-006]

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How to verify a conversion before you buy

A reliable conversion process compares the complete tire specification with the tractor’s requirements—not just the first number in the size.

1. Identify the tractor and axle configuration

Record the tractor model, model year or series where relevant, two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configuration, front and rear axle sizes, ballast, implement loads, and whether the tires are singles, duals, or triples. A size that works on one tractor may be unsuitable on another carrying the same nominal tire.

2. Read the complete existing sidewall

Write down the full size, construction marking, load index, speed index, and any service or tread designation. Do not rely on a partially worn marking or on the size printed in an old sales listing. If the tire has been replaced before, confirm that the current tire is itself an approved specification.

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3. Confirm the rim diameter and approved rim width

The last number must match the wheel diameter—for example, both 11.2-24 and 280/85R24 are intended for a 24-inch rim family. That does not establish that the existing wheel width is suitable. Tire manufacturers list recommended or approved rim widths for individual tire sizes, and those specifications control over a generic conversion chart. [CIT-003]

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4. Compare construction

The R in 280/85R24 means radial. A conventional dash or diagonal notation may indicate a bias tire, although the complete sidewall and manufacturer data should be used for confirmation.

Radial and bias tires are not merely two labels for the same physical tire. In a radial design, the sidewall and crown can behave more independently. At an appropriate pressure, a radial agricultural tire may produce a longer footprint and distribute load over more area. Bias construction links those areas more closely and can have different impact, heat, and handling behavior. Neither construction is automatically the right choice for every tractor or job. [CIT-004]

5. Check dimensions and rolling circumference

Compare the candidate tire’s published overall diameter, loaded radius, section width, and rolling circumference with the original or approved alternative. A small difference can matter for fender and steering clearance. On a four-wheel-drive tractor, the front-to-rear rolling relationship is especially important: an unsuitable combination can affect driveline behavior and tire wear.

6. Check load index, speed index, and operating use

The replacement must meet the tractor’s axle loads and the speed required for the work. Consider field traction, road travel, transported implements, front-loader work, ballast, and any unusually heavy loads. A tire that looks like the right size but has lower service capacity is not an acceptable substitute. Michelin recommends using vehicle-manufacturer-approved sizes and cautions against mixing sizes or radial and bias constructions in relevant four-wheel-drive applications. [CIT-001] [CIT-002]

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7. Inspect clearance and dual spacing

Measure or verify clearance at the fenders, steering components, suspension or axle parts, chains, and nearby implements. For duals or triples, check the manufacturer’s required spacing. A wider metric tire can contact a neighboring tire even when it fits the wheel and clears the fender.

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8. Use the actual load-and-inflation table

Find the candidate tire’s load-and-inflation table and select pressure based on the load per tire, travel speed, and work being performed. The correct pressure cannot be selected from the size label alone.

Why inflation pressure matters

Inflation affects load capacity, footprint, traction, ride, heat generation, road behavior, and soil contact. Michelin agricultural tables show different allowable loads at different pressures and speeds, and specify that inflation must match the load per tire, travel speed, and application. [CIT-003]

University of Minnesota Extension explains that total axle load and tire-soil contact pressure influence compaction. Correct inflation can improve tractor efficiency and reduce compaction intensity. Adding duals or triples can distribute the axle load across more tires, reducing the load carried by each tire and therefore potentially reducing the required pressure—provided the complete tire and machine specifications allow it. [CIT-007]

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  1. Record the tractor’s axle loads, ballast, implement load, tire arrangement, and operating speed.
  2. Use the candidate tire manufacturer’s table to determine the required pressure for the real load and speed.
  3. Keep pressure within the table’s allowable range and account separately for field and road work.
  4. Measure pressure with a suitable gauge before work, preferably when the tire is at a consistent temperature.
  5. Recheck pressure after adjustment and whenever the load, speed, tire arrangement, or job changes.

A tractor tire pressure gauge is useful here as a verification tool: it confirms whether the tire is actually at the pressure selected from the official load-and-inflation table. It does not determine the correct tire size or pressure. A heavy-duty gauge should have a suitable pressure range, a valve connection that fits the tractor tire, and enough durability for agricultural service. An inflator or compressor accessory can also be useful, but check its pressure range, duty cycle, valve compatibility, and ability to service a large tractor tire before relying on it. [CIT-008]

Does a wider tire automatically reduce compaction?

No. A wider tire may increase the contact area and can help reduce contact pressure in some applications, but the result depends on axle load, inflation pressure, tire construction, tread, soil condition, and the tire’s actual footprint. A wider tire carrying excessive load or inflated incorrectly is not automatically a low-compaction solution.

Duals or triples can also distribute load among more tires. However, they introduce additional requirements for wheel compatibility, spacing, clearance, sidewall loading, and maintenance. Use the tire and tractor manufacturers’ load data rather than assuming that adding tires makes any pressure acceptable.

Common conversion mistakes

Converting only the width

Multiplying inches by 25.4 gives a rough width comparison, but it says nothing conclusive about aspect ratio, overall diameter, rolling circumference, load, or rim fit.

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Assuming every 85-series tire is identical

Two tires with the same nominal width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter can still differ in measured dimensions, tread design, approved rims, load capacity, speed rating, and service designation.

Mixing radial and bias tires without approval

Construction changes handling, footprint, and operating behavior. Do not mix them casually, particularly on four-wheel-drive applications. Follow the tractor and tire manufacturers’ instructions. [CIT-002] [CIT-004]

Using a passenger-car conversion calculator

Passenger-car calculators do not account for agricultural tire notation, tractor driveline matching, field loads, dual spacing, or agricultural load-and-inflation tables. Use agricultural tire manufacturer data instead.

Setting pressure from the sidewall maximum

A maximum-pressure marking is not a universal operating recommendation. The working pressure must correspond to the load, speed, and application in the tire manufacturer’s table. [CIT-003]

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Letting the chart override the tractor manual

A conversion chart is a research aid. The tractor manual, approved tire list, tire manufacturer’s technical data, and qualified agricultural tire dealer should resolve any conflict.

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Before-you-buy checklist

  • ☐ Tractor model and axle configuration confirmed
  • ☐ Existing tire’s complete sidewall marking recorded
  • ☐ Candidate tire is approved for the actual rim diameter and rim width
  • ☐ Radial or bias construction matches the machine’s requirements
  • ☐ Load index meets axle and operating requirements
  • ☐ Speed index and service designation meet field and road use
  • ☐ Overall diameter and rolling circumference are acceptable
  • ☐ Section width, fender clearance, steering clearance, and dual spacing checked
  • ☐ Four-wheel-drive front-to-rear matching verified where applicable
  • ☐ Load-and-inflation table checked for actual load and speed
  • ☐ Field and road pressures determined separately where required
  • ☐ Final fitment confirmed with the tractor manual, tire manufacturer, or qualified dealer

When to ask a tire dealer or manufacturer

Get machine-specific advice before ordering if the tractor is four-wheel drive, uses duals or triples, carries a loader or heavy implement, is changing from bias to radial tires, has limited clearance, or will see substantial road travel. Provide the dealer with the tractor model, axle loads, existing tire and wheel information, ballast, implement weight, desired operating speed, and intended field and road use.

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Manufacturer technical resources from Michelin, Bridgestone/Firestone, and Continental are particularly useful because they combine conversion information with dimensions, approved wheels, load data, speed limits, and pressure tables. A regional agricultural tire dealer can then check the recommendation against the tractor and the tires actually available in your market. [CIT-002] [CIT-005] [CIT-006]

Bottom line

11.2-24 commonly cross-references to 280/85R24, and the chart above can help identify comparable metric radial families. It cannot approve a replacement by itself. Select the final tire only after checking construction, rim width, load, speed, dimensions, rolling circumference, clearance, dual spacing, inflation, and the specific tractor manufacturer’s requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a metric tire on my old agricultural-tire rim?

Yes, often—but only if the metric tire is approved for that specific wheel. Match the 24-inch rim diameter, then verify the tire maker’s approved rim width, dimensions, load capacity, and pressure table. A metric label that appears equivalent does not guarantee that the old wheel is suitable.

Can I mix radial and bias agricultural tires?

Do not mix radial and bias tires unless the tractor and tire manufacturers specifically approve the combination. Their carcass behavior, footprint, handling, and operating requirements differ. Four-wheel-drive tractors require particular care because front-to-rear rolling circumference affects driveline behavior.

Does a wider ag tire reduce soil compaction?

Not automatically. A wider tire can provide a larger footprint in some conditions, but compaction also depends on axle load, inflation pressure, tire construction, tread, and soil. Duals or triples may distribute load across more tires, but they bring their own spacing and fitment requirements.

What tool should I use to check tractor tire pressure?

Use a suitable tractor or ag tire pressure gauge with enough range and a compatible valve connection. Select the target pressure from the tire manufacturer’s load-and-inflation table first. The gauge verifies pressure; it does not determine the correct size or operating pressure.

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The Bottom Line

Remember: a comparable ag tire size is a shortlist, not a fitment guarantee. Confirm the complete specification and use the manufacturer’s load-and-inflation table before mounting or operating the tire.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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