255 would be the width of the tire in MM and 45 is the percnetage of the width that makes the height of the side wall and 20 is the size of the wheel.so.....255/45/20=wideth/side wall height/wheels size.and yes the higher the first number the wider the tire.heres a link to a tire size calculator.
http://www.carmodifier.com/default.asp?Action=tireTechCentreCalculator
http://www.carmodifier.com/default.asp?Action=tireTechCentreCalculator