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Tire Size Comparison

275/45R21 vs 255/40R22

Switching from 275/45R21 to 255/40R22 changes overall diameter by -2.32% (30.74 in → 30.03 in).

-2.32%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 275/45R21, fitting 255/40R22 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.1 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.6 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h78.1 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h97.7 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h117.2 km/h75 mph73 mph

Full comparison

275/45R21
Overall diameter780.9 mm · 30.74 in
Section width275 mm · 10.83 in
Sidewall height123.8 mm · 4.87 in
Circumference2453.3 mm · 96.6 in
Revolutions per mile656
Revolutions per km408
255/40R22
Overall diameter762.8 mm · 30.03 in
Section width255 mm · 10.04 in
Sidewall height102.0 mm · 4.02 in
Circumference2396.4 mm · 94.3 in
Revolutions per mile672
Revolutions per km417
Original tire
New tire
-2.32%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
30.730
Original
Overall diameter780.9 mm · 30.74 in
Sidewall height123.8 mm
Circumference2,453.3 mm
Revolutions / mile656
New
Overall diameter762.8 mm · 30.03 in
Sidewall height102 mm
Circumference2,396.4 mm
Revolutions / mile671.6
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -2.32%. With a speedometer calibrated to the original tire, that same percentage is how far the speedometer and odometer read off — a taller tire means your true speed is higher than indicated and the odometer under-counts distance.

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.1 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h58.6 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h78.1 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h97.7 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h117.2 km/h75 mph73 mph

See individual specs: 275/45R21 · 255/40R22. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.