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Tire Size Comparison

275/55R20 vs 265/45R21

Switching from 275/55R20 to 265/45R21 changes overall diameter by -4.76% (31.91 in → 30.39 in).

-4.76%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 275/55R20, fitting 265/45R21 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h38.1 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57.1 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h76.2 km/h50 mph47 mph
100 km/h95.2 km/h62 mph59 mph
120 km/h114.3 km/h75 mph71 mph

Full comparison

275/55R20
Overall diameter810.5 mm · 31.91 in
Section width275 mm · 10.83 in
Sidewall height151.3 mm · 5.95 in
Circumference2546.3 mm · 100.2 in
Revolutions per mile632
Revolutions per km393
265/45R21
Overall diameter771.9 mm · 30.39 in
Section width265 mm · 10.43 in
Sidewall height119.3 mm · 4.69 in
Circumference2425.0 mm · 95.5 in
Revolutions per mile664
Revolutions per km412
Original tire
New tire
-4.76%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error
31.930.4
Original
Overall diameter810.5 mm · 31.91 in
Sidewall height151.3 mm
Circumference2,546.3 mm
Revolutions / mile632
New
Overall diameter771.9 mm · 30.39 in
Sidewall height119.3 mm
Circumference2,425 mm
Revolutions / mile663.6
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -4.76%. 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/h38.1 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57.1 km/h37 mph36 mph
80 km/h76.2 km/h50 mph47 mph
100 km/h95.2 km/h62 mph59 mph
120 km/h114.3 km/h75 mph71 mph

See individual specs: 275/55R20 · 265/45R21. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.