CarSpecsHQ

325/30R21 vs 285/40R21

285/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 325/30R21: the diameter differs by +4.53%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

21" rim
325/30R21 28.68" · 285/40R21 29.98" · drawn to scale

Side by side

325/30R21285/40R21Difference
Overall diameter28.68"29.98"+1.30" (+4.53%)
Section width325 mm285 mm-40 mm
Sidewall3.84"4.49"+0.65"
Rim21"21"same
Circumference90.1"94.2"+4.1"
Revs per mile703673-30
Ride height——+0.65"
Speedometer reads 60 mph60.062.7+2.7 mph

Speedometer and odometer

020406080100120 reads 60 · actual 62.7 mph

With 285/40R21 on a car calibrated for 325/30R21, the speedometer reads 57.4 mph when you're really doing 60, and the odometer under-counts by 4.5%.

Speedo showsActual speed
30 mph31.4 mph
45 mph47.0 mph
60 mph62.7 mph
70 mph73.2 mph
80 mph83.6 mph

Other sizes close to 325/30R21

Questions

Can I replace 325/30R21 with 285/40R21?

285/40R21 is outside the ±3% rule as a replacement for 325/30R21: the diameter differs by +4.53%, so the speedometer, odometer and ABS calibration will be off and clearance needs checking.

What's the difference between 325/30R21 and 285/40R21?

285/40R21 is 1.30" taller and 40 mm narrower; the sidewall is +0.65". At an indicated 60 mph you'd actually be doing 62.7 mph.

Will 285/40R21 fit on 325/30R21 wheels?

Both use a 21" rim, so the wheel diameter matches; check the wheel's width range for a 285 mm tire and the fender clearance.