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265/40R21 Tire Size
All You Need to Know About 265/40R21 Tires
265/40R21 tires have a section width of 265 millimeters (mm), an aspect ratio of 40%, radial construction, and a 21-inch wheel diameter. Before buying tires sized 265/40R21, converting 265/40R21 measurements into inches, comparing them with similar tire sizes such as 295/35R21 and 275/40R21, and understanding interchangeability helps drivers confirm proper fitment without affecting vehicle calibration or ride characteristics.
What Are the Dimensions of a 265/40R21 Tire in Inches?
A 265/40R21 tire has a section width of 10.43 inches (≈ 10.4") and a sidewall height of 4.17 inches (≈ 4.2"). The overall diameter of a 265/40R21 tire is 29.35 inches (≈ 29.3"), and the circumference is approximately 92.19 inches (≈ 92.2"). The recommended rim width range for the 265/40R21 size is 9.0 to 10.5 inches.
In inches, the 265/40R21 tire size can be represented as 29.3" × 10.4" R21.
How tall and wide are 265/40R21 tires?
A 265/40R21 tire is approximately 29.35 inches (745.40 mm) tall and 10.43 inches (265 mm) wide.
Comparison of 265/40R21 With Similar Tire Sizes
Comparing 265/40R21 with 295/35R21 and 275/40R21 highlights how changes in width and aspect ratio influence stance, handling feel, and interchangeability.
What Is the Difference Between 265/40R21 vs 295/35R21?
The main differences between 265/40R21 and 295/35R21 are section width and aspect ratio. The 295/35R21 is wider but has a lower sidewall, resulting in a slightly smaller overall diameter.
The 265/40R21 has a sidewall height of 106.00 mm (≈ 4.17") and an overall diameter of 745.40 mm (≈ 29.35"). The 295/35R21 has a sidewall height of 103.25 mm (≈ 4.07") and an overall diameter of 739.90 mm (≈ 29.13").
This means the 295/35R21 is 30 mm wider, has a 2.75 mm (≈ 0.11") shorter sidewall, and is 5.50 mm (≈ 0.22") smaller overall.
265/40R21 vs 295/35R21 Tire Size Comparison Table
Tire Dimension | 265/40R21 (mm & in) | 295/35R21 (mm & in) | Difference (mm & in) | Percentage Difference |
Section Width | 265 mm (≈ 10.43") | 295 mm (≈ 11.61") | 30 mm (≈ 1.18") | ≈ 11.3% |
Sidewall Height | 106.00 mm (≈ 4.17") | 103.25 mm (≈ 4.07") | 2.75 mm (≈ 0.11") | ≈ 2.6% |
Overall Diameter | 745.40 mm (≈ 29.35") | 739.90 mm (≈ 29.13") | 5.50 mm (≈ 0.22") | ≈ 0.74% |
Circumference | 2341.74 mm (≈ 92.19") | 2324.64 mm (≈ 91.52") | 17.10 mm (≈ 0.67") | ≈ 0.74% |
Radius | 372.70 mm (≈ 14.67") | 369.95 mm (≈ 14.57") | 2.75 mm (≈ 0.11") | ≈ 0.74% |
Rim Diameter | 21" | 21" | — | — |
Recommended Rim Width | 9.0–10.5" | 10.0–11.5" | — | — |
Can I use 295/35R21 instead of 265/40R21?
Yes, this is generally an acceptable alternative. The overall diameter difference is under 1%, so speedometer accuracy and vehicle calibration remain very close to stock; this small difference is especially important for All-Wheel Drive vehicles, as it won't strain the center differential. The wider tread may increase grip and steering effort, and wheel width and fender clearance should be checked, but from a dimensional standpoint, this swap is typically trouble-free. However, it may slightly increase "tramlining" (the tendency of the tire to follow grooves in the road)
If your current 265/40R21 wheels are only 9.0 or 9.5 inches wide, the 295/35R21 tire will be "pinched," which can lead to poor handling and uneven tread wear. The swap is safe as long as your wheels are at least 10 inches wide and you have enough inner fender clearance for the extra width.
Recommended 295/35R21 Tires
If you plan to switch to 295/35R21 instead of 265/40R21, well-regarded options in this size include:
What Is the Difference Between 265/40R21 vs 275/40R21?
The main difference between 265/40R21 and 275/40R21 is the section width. Both tires share the same aspect ratio and rim diameter, but the wider tire has a slightly taller overall diameter.
The 265/40R21 has an overall diameter of 745.40 mm (≈ 29.35").
The 275/40R21 has a sidewall height of 110.00 mm (≈ 4.33") and an overall diameter of 753.40 mm (≈ 29.66").
This means the 275/40R21 is 10 mm wider, has a 4.00 mm (≈ 0.16") taller sidewall, and is 8.00 mm (≈ 0.31") larger overall.
265/40R21 vs 275/40R21 Tire Size Comparison Table
Tire Dimension | 265/40R21 (mm & in) | 275/40R21 (mm & in) | Difference (mm & in) | Percentage Difference |
Section Width | 265 mm (≈ 10.43") | 275 mm (≈ 10.83") | 10 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 3.8% |
Sidewall Height | 106.00 mm (≈ 4.17") | 110.00 mm (≈ 4.33") | 4.00 mm (≈ 0.16") | ≈ 3.8% |
Overall Diameter | 745.40 mm (≈ 29.35") | 753.40 mm (≈ 29.66") | 8.00 mm (≈ 0.31") | ≈ 1.07% |
Circumference | 2341.74 mm (≈ 92.19") | 2366.30 mm (≈ 93.16") | 24.56 mm (≈ 0.97") | ≈ 1.07% |
Radius | 372.70 mm (≈ 14.67") | 376.70 mm (≈ 14.83") | 4.00 mm (≈ 0.16") | ≈ 1.07% |
Rim Diameter | 21" | 21" | — | — |
Recommended Rim Width | 9.0–10.5" | 9.0–11.0" | — | — |
Can I use 275/40R21 instead of 265/40R21?
Yes, this is also a straightforward and well-within-tolerance swap. The overall diameter increase is just over 1%, which has a negligible effect on speedometer accuracy and vehicle systems. The additional width may slightly affect steering feel and clearance, but for most vehicles, this change works without major drawbacks when paired with the correct wheel width.
A 275/40R21 generally requires a rim width between 9.0 and 11.0 inches. Since the original 265-width tires are usually mounted on 9.0 to 10.5-inch wheels, this swap is typically a perfect fit for the factory rims. However, a 295/35R21 may have a different load index than 265/40R21. Verify the load rating meets your vehicle's requirements before switching.
All You Need to Know About 265/40R21 Tires
265/40R21 tires have a section width of 265 millimeters (mm), an aspect ratio of 40%, radial construction, and a 21-inch wheel diameter. Before buying tires sized 265/40R21, converting 265/40R21 measurements into inches, comparing them with similar tire sizes such as 295/35R21 and 275/40R21, and understanding interchangeability helps drivers confirm proper fitment without affecting vehicle calibration or ride characteristics.
What Are the Dimensions of a 265/40R21 Tire in Inches?
A 265/40R21 tire has a section width of 10.43 inches (≈ 10.4") and a sidewall height of 4.17 inches (≈ 4.2"). The overall diameter of a 265/40R21 tire is 29.35 inches (≈ 29.3"), and the circumference is approximately 92.19 inches (≈ 92.2"). The recommended rim width range for the 265/40R21 size is 9.0 to 10.5 inches.
In inches, the 265/40R21 tire size can be represented as 29.3" × 10.4" R21.
How tall and wide are 265/40R21 tires?
A 265/40R21 tire is approximately 29.35 inches (745.40 mm) tall and 10.43 inches (265 mm) wide.
Comparison of 265/40R21 With Similar Tire Sizes
Comparing 265/40R21 with 295/35R21 and 275/40R21 highlights how changes in width and aspect ratio influence stance, handling feel, and interchangeability.
What Is the Difference Between 265/40R21 vs 295/35R21?
The main differences between 265/40R21 and 295/35R21 are section width and aspect ratio. The 295/35R21 is wider but has a lower sidewall, resulting in a slightly smaller overall diameter.
The 265/40R21 has a sidewall height of 106.00 mm (≈ 4.17") and an overall diameter of 745.40 mm (≈ 29.35"). The 295/35R21 has a sidewall height of 103.25 mm (≈ 4.07") and an overall diameter of 739.90 mm (≈ 29.13").
This means the 295/35R21 is 30 mm wider, has a 2.75 mm (≈ 0.11") shorter sidewall, and is 5.50 mm (≈ 0.22") smaller overall.
265/40R21 vs 295/35R21 Tire Size Comparison Table
Tire Dimension | 265/40R21 (mm & in) | 295/35R21 (mm & in) | Difference (mm & in) | Percentage Difference |
Section Width | 265 mm (≈ 10.43") | 295 mm (≈ 11.61") | 30 mm (≈ 1.18") | ≈ 11.3% |
Sidewall Height | 106.00 mm (≈ 4.17") | 103.25 mm (≈ 4.07") | 2.75 mm (≈ 0.11") | ≈ 2.6% |
Overall Diameter | 745.40 mm (≈ 29.35") | 739.90 mm (≈ 29.13") | 5.50 mm (≈ 0.22") | ≈ 0.74% |
Circumference | 2341.74 mm (≈ 92.19") | 2324.64 mm (≈ 91.52") | 17.10 mm (≈ 0.67") | ≈ 0.74% |
Radius | 372.70 mm (≈ 14.67") | 369.95 mm (≈ 14.57") | 2.75 mm (≈ 0.11") | ≈ 0.74% |
Rim Diameter | 21" | 21" | — | — |
Recommended Rim Width | 9.0–10.5" | 10.0–11.5" | — | — |
Can I use 295/35R21 instead of 265/40R21?
Yes, this is generally an acceptable alternative. The overall diameter difference is under 1%, so speedometer accuracy and vehicle calibration remain very close to stock; this small difference is especially important for All-Wheel Drive vehicles, as it won't strain the center differential. The wider tread may increase grip and steering effort, and wheel width and fender clearance should be checked, but from a dimensional standpoint, this swap is typically trouble-free. However, it may slightly increase "tramlining" (the tendency of the tire to follow grooves in the road)
If your current 265/40R21 wheels are only 9.0 or 9.5 inches wide, the 295/35R21 tire will be "pinched," which can lead to poor handling and uneven tread wear. The swap is safe as long as your wheels are at least 10 inches wide and you have enough inner fender clearance for the extra width.
Recommended 295/35R21 Tires
If you plan to switch to 295/35R21 instead of 265/40R21, well-regarded options in this size include:
What Is the Difference Between 265/40R21 vs 275/40R21?
The main difference between 265/40R21 and 275/40R21 is the section width. Both tires share the same aspect ratio and rim diameter, but the wider tire has a slightly taller overall diameter.
The 265/40R21 has an overall diameter of 745.40 mm (≈ 29.35").
The 275/40R21 has a sidewall height of 110.00 mm (≈ 4.33") and an overall diameter of 753.40 mm (≈ 29.66").
This means the 275/40R21 is 10 mm wider, has a 4.00 mm (≈ 0.16") taller sidewall, and is 8.00 mm (≈ 0.31") larger overall.
265/40R21 vs 275/40R21 Tire Size Comparison Table
Tire Dimension | 265/40R21 (mm & in) | 275/40R21 (mm & in) | Difference (mm & in) | Percentage Difference |
Section Width | 265 mm (≈ 10.43") | 275 mm (≈ 10.83") | 10 mm (≈ 0.39") | ≈ 3.8% |
Sidewall Height | 106.00 mm (≈ 4.17") | 110.00 mm (≈ 4.33") | 4.00 mm (≈ 0.16") | ≈ 3.8% |
Overall Diameter | 745.40 mm (≈ 29.35") | 753.40 mm (≈ 29.66") | 8.00 mm (≈ 0.31") | ≈ 1.07% |
Circumference | 2341.74 mm (≈ 92.19") | 2366.30 mm (≈ 93.16") | 24.56 mm (≈ 0.97") | ≈ 1.07% |
Radius | 372.70 mm (≈ 14.67") | 376.70 mm (≈ 14.83") | 4.00 mm (≈ 0.16") | ≈ 1.07% |
Rim Diameter | 21" | 21" | — | — |
Recommended Rim Width | 9.0–10.5" | 9.0–11.0" | — | — |
Can I use 275/40R21 instead of 265/40R21?
Yes, this is also a straightforward and well-within-tolerance swap. The overall diameter increase is just over 1%, which has a negligible effect on speedometer accuracy and vehicle systems. The additional width may slightly affect steering feel and clearance, but for most vehicles, this change works without major drawbacks when paired with the correct wheel width.
A 275/40R21 generally requires a rim width between 9.0 and 11.0 inches. Since the original 265-width tires are usually mounted on 9.0 to 10.5-inch wheels, this swap is typically a perfect fit for the factory rims. However, a 295/35R21 may have a different load index than 265/40R21. Verify the load rating meets your vehicle's requirements before switching.
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