255/50R21 vs 265/50R21

265/50R21 is 0.39 in (10.0 mm) taller than 255/50R21, a +1.27% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 255/50R21, an indicated 60 mph is 60.8 mph on 265/50R21.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference +1.27%: within the ±3% guideline

By overall diameter alone, 265/50R21 falls inside the ±3% range commonly used as a guideline when replacing 255/50R21. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.

255/50R21 vs 265/50R21 differences
Measurement	255/50R21	265/50R21	Difference	% diff
Overall diameter	31.04 in (788.4 mm)	31.43 in (798.4 mm)	+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)	+1.27%
Sidewall height	5.02 in (127.5 mm)	5.22 in (132.5 mm)	+0.20 in (+5.0 mm)	+3.92%
Section width	10.04 in (255.0 mm)	10.43 in (265.0 mm)	+0.39 in (+10.0 mm)	+3.92%
Circumference	97.51 in (2,476.8 mm)	98.75 in (2,508.2 mm)	+1.24 in (+31.4 mm)	+1.27%
Revolutions per mile	650	642	−8	−1.25%

True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 255/50R21
Indicated	Actual on 255/50R21	Actual on 265/50R21	Difference
30 mph	30.0 mph	30.4 mph	+0.4 mph
60 mph	60.0 mph	60.8 mph	+0.8 mph
75 mph	75.0 mph	76.0 mph	+1.0 mph

Ride-height change: 265/50R21 raises the vehicle by 0.20 in (5.0 mm) at the axle (half the +10.0 mm diameter difference).

265/50R21 is 0.39 in taller than 255/50R21 and 10 mm wider, a 1.27% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 255/50R21, an indicated 60 mph is actually 60.8 mph on 265/50R21, and revolutions per mile change from 650 to 642.

Both sizes mount on 21-inch wheels.

Size pages

Other comparisons with 255/50R21

Other comparisons with 265/50R21

Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified 2026-09-27. How these numbers are calculated.