Tire Size Box

265/55R20 vs 295/45R21

295/45R21 compared with 265/55R20

−0.1% diameter, +1.2" width

295/45R21 is 31.45" tall vs 31.48". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

31.5"20" rim5.7"10.4" wide
265/55R20 (solid) compared with 295/45R21 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 295/45R21 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

60.0 mph

295/45R21 is −0.02 inches (−0.1%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

265/55R20295/45R21Difference%
Overall diameter31.48"31.45"−0.02"−0.1%
Section width10.43"11.61"+1.18"+11.3%
Sidewall height5.74"5.23"−0.51"−8.9%
Circumference98.89"98.81"−0.07"−0.1%
Revolutions per mile640.7641.2+0.5+0.1%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 265/55R20 and you fit 295/45R21, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.0 mph0.0 mph
30 mph30.0 mph0.0 mph
40 mph40.0 mph0.0 mph
50 mph50.0 mph0.0 mph
60 mph60.0 mph0.0 mph
65 mph65.0 mph0.0 mph
70 mph69.9 mph−0.1 mph
75 mph74.9 mph−0.1 mph
80 mph79.9 mph−0.1 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 265/55R20 or 295/45R21?
265/55R20 is taller by 0.02 inches (31.48" vs 31.45"). 295/45R21 is wider by 1.18 inches.
Can I replace 265/55R20 with 295/45R21?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is −0.1%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 295/45R21 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 295/45R21 fitted (calibrated for 265/55R20), your real speed is 60.0 mph. Your odometer will over-count miles by about 0.1%.
Will 295/45R21 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: −0.01 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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