CarSpecsHQ

295/30R21 vs 265/40R21

265/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 295/30R21: the diameter differs by +4.93%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
295/30R21 27.97" · 265/40R21 29.35" · drawn to scale

Side by side

295/30R21265/40R21Difference
Overall diameter27.97"29.35"+1.38" (+4.93%)
Section width295 mm265 mm-30 mm
Sidewall3.48"4.17"+0.69"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference87.9"92.2"+4.3"
Revs per mile721687-34
Ride height——+0.69"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.0+3.0 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.0 mph

With 265/40R21 on a car calibrated for 295/30R21, the speedometer reads 57.2 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.9%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.2 mph
60 mph63.0 mph
70 mph73.4 mph
80 mph83.9 mph

Other sizes close to 295/30R21

Questions

Can I replace 295/30R21 with 265/40R21?

265/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 295/30R21: the diameter differs by +4.93%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 295/30R21 and 265/40R21?

265/40R21 is 1.38" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.69". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.0 mph.

Will 265/40R21 fit on 295/30R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 265 mm tire and the fender clearance.