CarSpecsHQ

305/30R21 vs 275/40R21

275/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/30R21: the diameter differs by +5.16%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
305/30R21 28.20" · 275/40R21 29.66" · drawn to scale

Side by side

305/30R21275/40R21Difference
Overall diameter28.20"29.66"+1.46" (+5.16%)
Section width305 mm275 mm-30 mm
Sidewall3.60"4.33"+0.73"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference88.6"93.2"+4.6"
Revs per mile715680-35
Ride height——+0.73"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.063.1+3.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 63.1 mph

With 275/40R21 on a car calibrated for 305/30R21, the speedometer reads 57.1 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 5.2%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.5 mph
45 mph47.3 mph
60 mph63.1 mph
70 mph73.6 mph
80 mph84.1 mph

Other sizes close to 305/30R21

Questions

Can I replace 305/30R21 with 275/40R21?

275/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 305/30R21: the diameter differs by +5.16%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 305/30R21 and 275/40R21?

275/40R21 is 1.46" taller and 30 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.73". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 63.1 mph.

Will 275/40R21 fit on 305/30R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 275 mm tire and the fender clearance.