275/45R21 vs 255/50R21
255/50R21 is a safe swap for 275/45R21 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.96%.
Speedometer and odometer
With 255/50R21 on a car calibrated for 275/45R21, the speedometer reads 59.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 1.0%.
| Speedo shows | Actual speed |
|---|---|
| 30 mph | 30.3 mph |
| 45 mph | 45.4 mph |
| 60 mph | 60.6 mph |
| 70 mph | 70.7 mph |
| 80 mph | 80.8 mph |
Other sizes close to 275/45R21
- 275/45R21 vs 255/55R20+0.97%
- 275/45R21 vs 265/40R21-4.55%
- 275/45R21 vs 275/50R20+0.27%
- 275/45R21 vs 275/40R22-0.27%
- 275/45R21 vs 285/40R22+0.76%
- 275/45R21 vs 285/45R21+1.15%
- 275/45R21 vs 295/40R21-1.47%
- 275/45R21 vs 265/45R21-1.15%
- 275/45R21 vs 285/40R21-2.50%
- 275/45R21 vs 275/40R21-3.52%
- 275/45R21 vs 295/45R20-0.95%
- 275/45R21 vs 315/35R21-3.46%
Questions
Can I replace 275/45R21 with 255/50R21?
255/50R21 is a safe swap for 275/45R21 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.96%.
What's the difference between 275/45R21 and 255/50R21?
255/50R21 is 0.30" taller and 20 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.15". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.6 mph.
Will 255/50R21 fit on 275/45R21 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.