CarSpecsHQ

285/40R21 vs 255/50R20

255/50R20 is a safe swap for 285/40R21 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.21%.

21" → 20"
285/40R21 29.98" · 255/50R20 30.04" · drawn to scale

Side by side

285/40R21255/50R20Difference
Overall diameter29.98"30.04"+0.06" (+0.21%)
Section width285 mm255 mm-30 mm
Sidewall4.49"5.02"+0.53"
Rim21"20"-1"
Circumference94.2"94.4"+0.2"
Revs per mile673671-1
Ride height——+0.03"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.060.1+0.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 60.1 mph

With 255/50R20 on a car calibrated for 285/40R21, the speedometer reads 59.9 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 0.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph30.1 mph
45 mph45.1 mph
60 mph60.1 mph
70 mph70.1 mph
80 mph80.2 mph

Other sizes close to 285/40R21

Questions

Can I replace 285/40R21 with 255/50R20?

255/50R20 is a safe swap for 285/40R21 by the usual ±3% rule: the diameter differs by +0.21%.

What's the difference between 285/40R21 and 255/50R20?

255/50R20 is 0.06" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.53". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 60.1 mph.

Will 255/50R20 fit on 285/40R21 wheels?

No — 285/40R21 needs a 21" wheel and 255/50R20 a 20" wheel. This is a plus/minus-size swap that changes wheels too.