CarSpecsHQ

265/35R21 vs 275/40R21

275/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/35R21: the diameter differs by +4.80%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
265/35R21 28.30" · 275/40R21 29.66" · drawn to scale

Side by side

265/35R21275/40R21Difference
Overall diameter28.30"29.66"+1.36" (+4.80%)
Section width265 mm275 mm+10 mm
Sidewall3.65"4.33"+0.68"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference88.9"93.2"+4.3"
Revs per mile713680-33
Ride height——+0.68"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.9+2.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.9 mph

With 275/40R21 on a car calibrated for 265/35R21, the speedometer reads 57.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.8%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph62.9 mph
70 mph73.4 mph
80 mph83.8 mph

Other sizes close to 265/35R21

Questions

Can I replace 265/35R21 with 275/40R21?

275/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/35R21: the diameter differs by +4.80%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 265/35R21 and 275/40R21?

275/40R21 is 1.36" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.68". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.9 mph.

Will 275/40R21 fit on 265/35R21 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.