255/35ZR21 vs 265/35R21
265/35R21 is taller than 255/35ZR21 by 0.98% — a diameter difference of 0.27″.
What changes between 255/35ZR21 and 265/35R21
Switching from 255/35ZR21 to 265/35R21 changes overall diameter by +0.98%, a taller tire by 0.27 inches. This lands inside the ±3% fitment safe zone, so most vehicles will accept the swap without rubbing, speedometer recalibration, or ABS/TPMS complications. Section width moves by +0.39″ (255mm → 265mm), which affects contact patch and fender-well clearance. Sidewall height shifts by +0.14″: a taller sidewall softens ride quality and adds off-road bump protection, with some loss of steering crispness. Revs per mile moves by -7, which translates directly to speedometer error — at an indicated 65 mph, actual speed becomes 65.6 mph. Both sizes share the same 21″ rim, so no wheel change is required — this is a pure tire-only swap.
| Spec | 255/35ZR21 | 265/35R21 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall diameter | 28.03″ | 28.3″ |
| Section width | 10.04″ (255 mm) | 10.43″ (265 mm) |
| Sidewall height | 3.51″ (35%) | 3.65″ (35%) |
| Rim diameter | 21″ | 21″ |
| Circumference | 88.05″ | 88.92″ |
| Revs per mile | 720 | 713 |
Interactive comparison
275/65R18 or "33" for inch aliases255/35ZR21
- Diameter
- 28.03″ / 711.9mm
- Section Width
- 10.04″
- Sidewall
- 3.51″ / 89.25mm
- Circumference
- 88.05″
- Revs/Mile
- 720
265/35R21
- Diameter
- 28.3″ / 718.9mm
- Section Width
- 10.43″
- Sidewall
- 3.65″ / 92.75mm
- Circumference
- 88.92″
- Revs/Mile
- 713
Speedometer & Diameter Impact
At an indicated 60 mph, your actual speed is 60.59 mph (97.51 km/h). Your speedometer reads 0.98% low versus actual speed.