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Tire Size Comparison

285/55R20 vs 275/45R21

Switching from 285/55R20 to 275/45R21 changes overall diameter by -4.94% (32.34 in → 30.74 in).

-4.94%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error

Speedometer error

With a speedometer calibrated to 285/55R20, fitting 275/45R21 makes it read as follows:

Speedo showsTrue speedSpeedo showsTrue speed
40 km/h38.0 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57.0 km/h37 mph35 mph
80 km/h76.0 km/h50 mph47 mph
100 km/h95.1 km/h62 mph59 mph
120 km/h114.1 km/h75 mph71 mph

Full comparison

285/55R20
Overall diameter821.5 mm · 32.34 in
Section width285 mm · 11.22 in
Sidewall height156.8 mm · 6.17 in
Circumference2580.8 mm · 101.6 in
Revolutions per mile624
Revolutions per km387
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
-4.94%Borderline — noticeable speedometer/odometer error
32.330.7
Original
Overall diameter821.5 mm · 32.34 in
Sidewall height156.8 mm
Circumference2,580.8 mm
Revolutions / mile623.6
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 -4.94%. 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 km/h25 mph24 mph
60 km/h57 km/h37 mph35 mph
80 km/h76 km/h50 mph47 mph
100 km/h95.1 km/h62 mph59 mph
120 km/h114.1 km/h75 mph71 mph

See individual specs: 285/55R20 · 275/45R21. A change this size can affect ABS/speed calibration — see wheel-speed codes if a light appears.