275/40R21 vs 255/50R21
255/50R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/40R21: the diameter differs by +4.65%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
Speedometer and odometer
With 255/50R21 on a car calibrated for 275/40R21, the speedometer reads 57.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.6%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 31.4 mph |
| 45 mph | 47.1 mph |
| 60 mph | 62.8 mph |
| 70 mph | 73.3 mph |
| 80 mph | 83.7 mph |
Other sizes close to 275/40R21
- 275/40R21 vs 245/50R20-0.05%
- 275/40R21 vs 275/45R20+0.28%
- 275/40R21 vs 265/45R20-0.92%
- 275/40R21 vs 265/40R21-1.06%
- 275/40R21 vs 275/35R21-3.65%
- 275/40R21 vs 295/35R21-1.79%
- 275/40R21 vs 275/45R21+3.65%
- 275/40R21 vs 255/40R21-2.12%
- 275/40R21 vs 265/35R21-4.58%
- 275/40R21 vs 285/35R22+0.65%
- 275/40R21 vs 295/40R21+2.12%
- 275/40R21 vs 285/45R21+4.84%
Questions
Can I replace 275/40R21 with 255/50R21?
255/50R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 275/40R21: the diameter differs by +4.65%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.
What's the difference between 275/40R21 and 255/50R21?
255/50R21 is 1.38" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.69". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.8 mph.
Will 255/50R21 fit on 275/40R21 wheels?
Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.