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Tire Size Comparison

285/50R20 vs 275/45R21

Switching from 285/50R20 to 275/45R21 changes overall diameter by -1.53% (31.22 in → 30.74 in).

-1.53%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 285/50R20, fitting 275/45R21 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h39.4 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h59.1 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h78.8 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.5 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h118.2 km/h75 mph73 mph

Full comparison

285/50R20
Overall diameter793.0 mm · 31.22 in
Section width285 mm · 11.22 in
Sidewall height142.5 mm · 5.61 in
Circumference2491.3 mm · 98.1 in
Revolutions per mile646
Revolutions per km401
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
-1.53%Safe swap — speedometer error is minor
31.230.7
Original
Overall diameter793 mm · 31.22 in
Sidewall height142.5 mm
Circumference2,491.3 mm
Revolutions / mile646
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 -1.53%. 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/h39.4 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h59.1 km/h37 mph37 mph
80 km/h78.8 km/h50 mph49 mph
100 km/h98.5 km/h62 mph61 mph
120 km/h118.2 km/h75 mph73 mph

See individual specs: 285/50R20 · 275/45R21. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.