TireSizesFinder

265/50R21 vs 265/45R22

265/45R22 is 0.04 in (1.1 mm) shorter than 265/50R21, a −0.14% diameter difference. With the speedometer set for 265/50R21, an indicated 60 mph is 59.9 mph on 265/45R22.

Is this a safe swap?

Diameter difference −0.14%: under 1%

By overall diameter alone, 265/45R22 is a near match for 265/50R21; the speedometer changes by less than 1%. This check uses diameter only. It does not assess load index, speed rating, wheel width or clearance.

To-scale drawing: 265/50R21 (31.43 in) vs 265/45R22 (31.39 in)265/50R2131.43 in × 10.43 in265/45R2231.39 in × 10.43 in
Side profile and tread width, drawn to the same scale.
265/50R21 vs 265/45R22 differences
Measurement265/50R21265/45R22Difference% diff
Overall diameter31.43 in (798.4 mm)31.39 in (797.3 mm)−0.04 in (−1.1 mm)−0.14%
Sidewall height5.22 in (132.5 mm)4.69 in (119.3 mm)−0.52 in (−13.2 mm)−10.00%
Section width10.43 in (265.0 mm)10.43 in (265.0 mm)0.00 in (0.0 mm)0.00%
Circumference98.75 in (2,508.2 mm)98.61 in (2,504.8 mm)−0.14 in (−3.5 mm)−0.14%
Revolutions per mile642643+1+0.14%
True speed with the speedometer calibrated for 265/50R21
IndicatedActual on 265/50R21Actual on 265/45R22Difference
30 mph30.0 mph30.0 mph0.0 mph
60 mph60.0 mph59.9 mph−0.1 mph
75 mph75.0 mph74.9 mph−0.1 mph

Ride-height change: 265/45R22 lowers the vehicle by 0.02 in (0.6 mm) at the axle (half the −1.1 mm diameter difference).

265/45R22 is 0.04 in shorter than 265/50R21 and the same width, a 0.14% difference in overall diameter.

With the speedometer calibrated for 265/50R21, an indicated 60 mph is actually 59.9 mph on 265/45R22, and revolutions per mile change from 642 to 643.

265/45R22 mounts on a 22-inch wheel, a plus-1 fitment from the 21-inch wheel of 265/50R21.

Size pages

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Source: Calculated from standard tire geometry formulas. Verified . How these numbers are calculated.