What is the diameter difference between 285/30R21 and 305/30R21?

285/30R21 has an overall diameter of 27.73 inches (704 mm). 305/30R21 is 28.2 inches (716 mm). That's a 0.47 inch (12 mm) difference — 305/30R21 is taller.

Will 305/30R21 cause speedometer error on a car fitted with 285/30R21?

Swapping 285/30R21 for 305/30R21 produces a speedometer error of about 1.7%. Your speedometer will read lower than your actual speed — a 60 mph indicated reading is really 61 mph. Anything under 3% is usually acceptable without recalibration.

How many revolutions per mile does each size do?

285/30R21 turns 727 revs per mile. 305/30R21 turns 715 revs per mile. Taller tyres turn fewer times per mile, which lowers effective final-drive ratio.

What's the sidewall height difference?

285/30R21 has a sidewall of 86 mm (3.37 in). 305/30R21 sidewall is 92 mm (3.6 in). Lower-profile sidewalls give sharper steering response but less bump compliance.

Is 305/30R21 a safe plus-size upgrade from 285/30R21?

A plus-size upgrade is considered safe when overall diameter stays within ±3% — here the difference is 1.7%. This swap is within the typical safe range; speedometer and ABS calibration should remain close to factory.

Tire size comparison

285/30R21 vs 305/30R21

Overall diameter, sidewall, revs per mile, and speedometer error — 305/30R21 is the taller tire, with a 1.7% speedo delta when swapping.

285/30R21

27.73in

704 mm overall diameter

305/30R21

28.2in

716 mm overall diameter

Diameter Δ

0.47 in

Speedo error

1.7%

285/30R21 revs/mi

727

305/30R21 revs/mi

715

Within the ±3% overall-diameter band usually considered safe for plus-sizing — speedometer and ABS calibration should stay close to factory.

Full spec

Side by side

Metric	285/30R21	305/30R21
Section width	285 mm	305 mm
Aspect ratio	30	30
Wheel diameter	21″	21″
Sidewall height	86 mm	92 mm
Overall diameter	27.73 in (704 mm)	28.2 in (716 mm)
Circumference	87.12 in	88.61 in
Revolutions / mile	727	715

Other comparisons for these sizes

275/35R20 vs 285/30R21 285/35R20 vs 285/30R21 295/35R20 vs 305/30R21 305/35R20 vs 305/30R21 275/30R21 vs 285/30R21 275/35R21 vs 285/30R21 285/30R21 vs 295/30R21 295/30R21 vs 305/30R21 295/35R21 vs 305/30R21 305/30R21 vs 315/30R21

FAQ

Frequently asked

What is the diameter difference between 285/30R21 and 305/30R21?: 285/30R21 has an overall diameter of 27.73 inches (704 mm). 305/30R21 is 28.2 inches (716 mm). That's a 0.47 inch (12 mm) difference — 305/30R21 is taller.
Will 305/30R21 cause speedometer error on a car fitted with 285/30R21?: Swapping 285/30R21 for 305/30R21 produces a speedometer error of about 1.7%. Your speedometer will read lower than your actual speed — a 60 mph indicated reading is really 61 mph. Anything under 3% is usually acceptable without recalibration.
How many revolutions per mile does each size do?: 285/30R21 turns 727 revs per mile. 305/30R21 turns 715 revs per mile. Taller tyres turn fewer times per mile, which lowers effective final-drive ratio.
What's the sidewall height difference?: 285/30R21 has a sidewall of 86 mm (3.37 in). 305/30R21 sidewall is 92 mm (3.6 in). Lower-profile sidewalls give sharper steering response but less bump compliance.
Is 305/30R21 a safe plus-size upgrade from 285/30R21?: A plus-size upgrade is considered safe when overall diameter stays within ±3% — here the difference is 1.7%. This swap is within the typical safe range; speedometer and ABS calibration should remain close to factory.