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Tire Size Comparison

285/45R21 vs 275/45R21

Switching from 285/45R21 to 275/45R21 changes overall diameter by -1.14% (31.10 in → 30.74 in).

-1.14%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 285/45R21, fitting 275/45R21 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.5 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.3 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.1 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.9 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h118.6 km/h75 mph74 mph

Full comparison

285/45R21
Overall diameter789.9 mm · 31.10 in
Section width285 mm · 11.22 in
Sidewall height128.3 mm · 5.05 in
Circumference2481.5 mm · 97.7 in
Revolutions per mile649
Revolutions per km403
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
Original tire
New tire
-1.14%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
31.130.7
Original
Overall diameter789.9 mm · 31.1 in
Sidewall height128.3 mm
Circumference2,481.5 mm
Revolutions / mile648.5
New
Overall diameter780.9 mm · 30.74 in
Sidewall height123.8 mm
Circumference2,453.3 mm
Revolutions / mile656
Speedometer & odometer error

The new tire changes overall diameter by -1.14%. 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/h39.5 km/h25 mph25 mph
60 km/h59.3 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h79.1 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.9 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h118.6 km/h75 mph74 mph

See individual specs: 285/45R21 · 275/45R21. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.