CarSpecsHQ

305/30R21 vs 245/45R21

245/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/30R21: the diameter differs by +5.23%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
305/30R21 28.20" · 245/45R21 29.68" · drawn to scale

Side by side

305/30R21245/45R21Difference
Overall diameter28.20"29.68"+1.48" (+5.23%)
Section width305 mm245 mm-60 mm
Sidewall3.60"4.34"+0.74"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference88.6"93.2"+4.6"
Revs per mile715679-36
Ride height——+0.74"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.1+3.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.1 mph

With 245/45R21 on a car calibrated for 305/30R21, the speedometer reads 57.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.6 mph
45 mph47.4 mph
60 mph63.1 mph
70 mph73.7 mph
80 mph84.2 mph

Other sizes close to 305/30R21

Questions

Can I replace 305/30R21 with 245/45R21?

245/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/30R21: the diameter differs by +5.23%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 305/30R21 and 245/45R21?

245/45R21 is 1.48" taller and 60 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.74". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.

Will 245/45R21 fit on 305/30R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 245 mm tire and the fender clearance.