CarSpecsHQ

255/40R21 vs 295/40R20

295/40R20 is a safe swap for 255/40R21 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.90%.

21" → 20"
255/40R21 29.03" · 295/40R20 29.29" · drawn to scale

Side by side

255/40R21295/40R20Difference
Overall diameter29.03"29.29"+0.26" (+0.90%)
Section width255 mm295 mm+40 mm
Sidewall4.02"4.65"+0.63"
Rim21"20"-1"
Circumference91.2"92.0"+0.8"
Revs per mile695689-6
Ride height——+0.13"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.5+0.5 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.5 mph

With 295/40R20 on a car calibrated for 255/40R21, the speedometer reads 59.5 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.3 mph
45 mph45.4 mph
60 mph60.5 mph
70 mph70.6 mph
80 mph80.7 mph

Other sizes close to 255/40R21

Questions

Can I replace 255/40R21 with 295/40R20?

295/40R20 is a safe swap for 255/40R21 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.90%.

What's the difference between 255/40R21 and 295/40R20?

295/40R20 is 0.26" taller and 40 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.63". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.5 mph.

Will 295/40R20 fit on 255/40R21 wheels?

No — 255/40R21 needs a 21" wheel and 295/40R20 a 20" wheel. This is a plus/minus-size swap that changes wheels too.