CarSpecsHQ

325/30R21 vs 255/45R21

255/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 325/30R21: the diameter differs by +4.74%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
325/30R21 28.68" · 255/45R21 30.04" · drawn to scale

Side by side

325/30R21255/45R21Difference
Overall diameter28.68"30.04"+1.36" (+4.74%)
Section width325 mm255 mm-70 mm
Sidewall3.84"4.52"+0.68"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference90.1"94.4"+4.3"
Revs per mile703671-32
Ride height——+0.68"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.8+2.8 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.8 mph

With 255/45R21 on a car calibrated for 325/30R21, the speedometer reads 57.3 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.7%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.1 mph
60 mph62.8 mph
70 mph73.3 mph
80 mph83.8 mph

Other sizes close to 325/30R21

Questions

Can I replace 325/30R21 with 255/45R21?

255/45R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 325/30R21: the diameter differs by +4.74%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 325/30R21 and 255/45R21?

255/45R21 is 1.36" taller and 70 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.68". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.8 mph.

Will 255/45R21 fit on 325/30R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 255 mm tire and the fender clearance.