CarSpecsHQ

325/30R21 vs 275/40R21

275/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 325/30R21: the diameter differs by +3.43%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
325/30R21 28.68" · 275/40R21 29.66" · drawn to scale

Side by side

325/30R21275/40R21Difference
Overall diameter28.68"29.66"+0.98" (+3.43%)
Section width325 mm275 mm-50 mm
Sidewall3.84"4.33"+0.49"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference90.1"93.2"+3.1"
Revs per mile703680-23
Ride height——+0.49"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.1+2.1 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.1 mph

With 275/40R21 on a car calibrated for 325/30R21, the speedometer reads 58.0 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 3.4%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.0 mph
45 mph46.5 mph
60 mph62.1 mph
70 mph72.4 mph
80 mph82.7 mph

Other sizes close to 325/30R21

Questions

Can I replace 325/30R21 with 275/40R21?

275/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 325/30R21: the diameter differs by +3.43%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 325/30R21 and 275/40R21?

275/40R21 is 0.98" taller and 50 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.49". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.1 mph.

Will 275/40R21 fit on 325/30R21 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.