CarSpecsHQ

275/35R21 vs 245/45R21

245/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/35R21: the diameter differs by +3.86%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
275/35R21 28.58" · 245/45R21 29.68" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/35R21245/45R21Difference
Overall diameter28.58"29.68"+1.10" (+3.86%)
Section width275 mm245 mm-30 mm
Sidewall3.79"4.34"+0.55"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference89.8"93.2"+3.5"
Revs per mile706679-26
Ride height——+0.55"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.3+2.3 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.3 mph

With 245/45R21 on a car calibrated for 275/35R21, the speedometer reads 57.8 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.2 mph
45 mph46.7 mph
60 mph62.3 mph
70 mph72.7 mph
80 mph83.1 mph

Other sizes close to 275/35R21

Questions

Can I replace 275/35R21 with 245/45R21?

245/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/35R21: the diameter differs by +3.86%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 275/35R21 and 245/45R21?

245/45R21 is 1.10" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.55". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.3 mph.

Will 245/45R21 fit on 275/35R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 245 mm tire and the fender clearance.