CarSpecsHQ

245/45R21 vs 275/45R21

275/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/45R21: the diameter differs by +3.58%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
245/45R21 29.68" · 275/45R21 30.74" · drawn to scale

Side by side

245/45R21275/45R21Difference
Overall diameter29.68"30.74"+1.06" (+3.58%)
Section width245 mm275 mm+30 mm
Sidewall4.34"4.87"+0.53"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference93.2"96.6"+3.3"
Revs per mile679656-23
Ride height——+0.53"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 275/45R21 on a car calibrated for 245/45R21, the speedometer reads 57.9 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.6%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.6 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.5 mph
80 mph82.9 mph

Other sizes close to 245/45R21

Questions

Can I replace 245/45R21 with 275/45R21?

275/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 245/45R21: the diameter differs by +3.58%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 245/45R21 and 275/45R21?

275/45R21 is 1.06" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.53". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.1 mph.

Will 275/45R21 fit on 245/45R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 275 mm tire and the fender clearance.