CarSpecsHQ

275/50R21 vs 305/50R20

305/50R20 is a safe swap for 275/50R21 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.57%.

21" → 20"
275/50R21 31.83" · 305/50R20 32.01" · drawn to scale

Side by side

275/50R21305/50R20Difference
Overall diameter31.83"32.01"+0.18" (+0.57%)
Section width275 mm305 mm+30 mm
Sidewall5.41"6.00"+0.59"
Rim21"20"-1"
Circumference100.0"100.6"+0.6"
Revs per mile634630-4
Ride height——+0.09"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.3+0.3 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.3 mph

With 305/50R20 on a car calibrated for 275/50R21, the speedometer reads 59.7 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.6%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.2 mph
45 mph45.3 mph
60 mph60.3 mph
70 mph70.4 mph
80 mph80.5 mph

Other sizes close to 275/50R21

Questions

Can I replace 275/50R21 with 305/50R20?

305/50R20 is a safe swap for 275/50R21 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.57%.

What's the difference between 275/50R21 and 305/50R20?

305/50R20 is 0.18" taller and 30 mm wider; the sidewall is +0.59". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.3 mph.

Will 305/50R20 fit on 275/50R21 wheels?

No — 275/50R21 needs a 21" wheel and 305/50R20 a 20" wheel. This is a plus/minus-size swap that changes wheels too.