CarSpecsHQ

275/35R21 vs 275/40R21

275/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/35R21: the diameter differs by +3.79%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
275/35R21 28.58" · 275/40R21 29.66" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/35R21275/40R21Difference
Overall diameter28.58"29.66"+1.08" (+3.79%)
Section width275 mm275 mm0 mm
Sidewall3.79"4.33"+0.54"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference89.8"93.2"+3.4"
Revs per mile706680-26
Ride height——+0.54"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.3+2.3 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.3 mph

With 275/40R21 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 3.8%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.1 mph
45 mph46.7 mph
60 mph62.3 mph
70 mph72.7 mph
80 mph83.0 mph

Other sizes close to 275/35R21

Questions

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

275/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/35R21: the diameter differs by +3.79%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

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

275/40R21 is 1.08" taller and 0 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.54". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.3 mph.

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