20-inch vs 21-inch rims · tyre size comparison
255/55 R20 vs 275/45 R21
275/45 R21 is 7.6 mm (0.3 in) shorter than 255/55 R20, a -0.96% difference in overall diameter. That is well inside the ±3% limit commonly used to screen a tire size change; it is a nominal calculation, not a fitment approval.
- Diameter difference
- -7.6 mm
- -0.3 in · -0.96%
- Indicated 70 mph
- 69.3 mph
- Actual speed on 275/45 R21, if the speedometer was accurate on 255/55 R20.
- Sidewall height
- -16.5 mm
- 140.25 mm to 123.75 mm.
Dimensions side by side
| Measurement | 255/55 R20 | 275/45 R21 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 788.5 mm31.04 in | 780.9 mm30.74 in | -7.6 mm (-0.96%)-0.3 in |
| Section width | 255 mm10.04 in | 275 mm10.83 in | +20 mm+0.79 in |
| Sidewall height | 140.25 mm5.52 in | 123.75 mm4.87 in | -16.5 mm-0.65 in |
| Circumference | 2,477.15 mm97.53 in | 2,453.27 mm96.59 in | -23.88 mm-0.94 in |
| Rim diameter | 508 mm20 in | 533.4 mm21 in | +25.4 mm+1 in |
| Revolutions per mile | 649.68 | 656 | +6.32 |
| Revolutions per km | 403.69 | 407.62 | +3.93 |
Calculated from the nominal size codes, without load or tread wear. Real tyres vary by model, rim width and pressure, so the exact tyre's published dimensions take priority.
Speedometer with 275/45 R21
If the speedometer was accurate on 255/55 R20, fitting 275/45 R21 means the car is travelling 0.96% slower than it shows, and the odometer over-records distance by about the same amount.
| Speedometer shows | Actual on 275/45 R21 | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | 29.71 mph | -0.29 mph |
| 50 mph | 49.52 mph | -0.48 mph |
| 60 mph | 59.42 mph | -0.58 mph |
| 70 mph | 69.33 mph | -0.67 mph |
| 50 km/h | 49.52 km/h | -0.48 km/h |
| 100 km/h | 99.04 km/h | -0.96 km/h |
UN ECE Regulation 39, used in the UK and EU, does not allow a speedometer to show less than the true speed, so many read slightly high from the factory. A shorter tyre adds to it. Calibration varies by car; these figures are the tyre-size effect only.
What changes from 255/55 R20 to 275/45 R21
Wheels
These sizes need different wheels: 20-inch for 255/55 R20 and 21-inch for 275/45 R21. The larger wheel usually weighs a little more; the smaller one must still clear the brake calipers. Check rim width, offset and load rating for whichever wheel you fit.
Sidewall and ride comfort
275/45 R21 has 16.5 mm less sidewall (123.75 vs 140.25 mm). A shorter sidewall usually sharpens steering response, but rides noticeably firmer and leaves the rim more exposed to potholes and kerbs.
Contact width
275/45 R21 is 20 mm wider in nominal section width (7.8%). A wider tyre usually puts a wider, shorter contact patch on the road, which can help dry grip, but it may follow ruts more, clear standing water less readily and add some rolling resistance.
Wheel well clearance
Ride height changes by about -3.8 mm, and the top of the tyre moves the same distance away from the arch. On the same wheel width and offset, each sidewall moves about 10 mm further out towards the arch lip and further in towards the suspension. Check clearance at full steering lock and full suspension compression, especially on a lowered car.
Gearing
The effective final drive changes by +0.97%: 3,000 rpm at a given road speed becomes about 3,030 rpm. Gearing gets slightly shorter, so acceleration in each gear sharpens and cruising revs rise.
ABS, stability control and AWD
These systems compare wheel speeds. Fit the same size on both ends of an axle, and follow the car maker's rolling-circumference limits, which can be much tighter than 3%.
General tendencies from the nominal numbers, not a test of any tyre. Load index, speed rating, tyre construction and the car's approved sizes matter more than these rules of thumb.
Explained in our guides
- Plus-sizing wheels: tyre diameter and speedometer changesWork through a 17 to 18 inch wheel change, compare tyre diameters and speedometer effects, and understand why a 3% rule cannot approve fitment.
- Staggered vs square wheels: tyres, rotation and AWDCompare square and staggered wheel setups, calculate front-to-rear tyre diameter, and understand rotation limits and all-wheel-drive requirements.
- How to read a tyre size, load index and sidewall markingsDecode tyre width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, load and speed markings, then calculate sidewall height and diameter using a 225/45 R17 example.
Cars in our guides using these sizes
Factory trims and popular community setups from our fitment guides. A popular setup is not a factory approval; each guide explains its trims, axles and clearance limits.
255/55 R20
- Land Rover Range Rover L405 (2012–2021)Factory trim
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 (2013–2022)Factory trim
275/45 R21
- Land Rover Range Rover L405 (2012–2021)Factory trim
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 (2013–2022)Factory trim
More comparisons
255/55 R20 compared
275/45 R21 compared
Questions
Can I use 275/45 R21 instead of 255/55 R20?
Only on 21-inch wheels, not the 20-inch wheels that take 255/55 R20. The diameter difference is -0.96%, well inside the ±3% screening limit. That does not approve fitment: check the car maker's approved sizes, load index, speed rating, rim width and clearance first.
How much bigger is 275/45 R21 than 255/55 R20?
Overall diameter is 7.6 mm (0.3 in) smaller: 780.9 vs 788.5 mm. Section width is 20 mm wider, and the sidewall is 16.5 mm shorter. These are nominal figures; real tyres vary by model and rim width.
Will 275/45 R21 change my speedometer reading?
Yes, by 0.96%. If the speedometer was accurate on 255/55 R20, an indicated 60 mph would be about 59.4 mph on 275/45 R21, and an indicated 100 km/h about 99 km/h. You would be going slower than the speedometer shows.
Which is better, 255/55 R20 or 275/45 R21?
Neither in general. 255/55 R20 has the taller sidewall, which usually rides more comfortably; 275/45 R21 usually steers more sharply. 275/45 R21 is wider, which can help dry grip; the narrower size is usually better in standing water and snow. The size listed for your car's trim, on its placard or in the handbook, is the safe default.
Check the exact tyre
Size codes give nominal dimensions. Before buying, confirm the size is approved for your car and check the exact tyre's load and speed ratings and published dimensions.