CarSpecsHQ

265/40R21 vs 275/45R21

275/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/40R21: the diameter differs by +4.76%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
265/40R21 29.35" · 275/45R21 30.74" · drawn to scale

Side by side

265/40R21275/45R21Difference
Overall diameter29.35"30.74"+1.40" (+4.76%)
Section width265 mm275 mm+10 mm
Sidewall4.17"4.87"+0.70"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference92.2"96.6"+4.4"
Revs per mile687656-31
Ride height——+0.70"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.9+2.9 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.9 mph

With 275/45R21 on a car calibrated for 265/40R21, 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 mph47.1 mph
60 mph62.9 mph
70 mph73.3 mph
80 mph83.8 mph

Other sizes close to 265/40R21

Questions

Can I replace 265/40R21 with 275/45R21?

275/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 265/40R21: the diameter differs by +4.76%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 265/40R21 and 275/45R21?

275/45R21 is 1.40" taller and 10 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.70". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.9 mph.

Will 275/45R21 fit on 265/40R21 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.