Tire Size Box

305/50R21 vs 295/55R21

295/55R21 compared with 305/50R21

+2.3% diameter, −0.4" width

295/55R21 is 33.78" tall vs 33.01". Within the 3% rule, so usually interchangeable.

33.0"21" rim6.0"12.0" wide
305/50R21 (solid) compared with 295/55R21 (dashed outline), drawn to scale

With 295/55R21 tires, when your speedometer says 60 mph you are really going

61.4 mph

295/55R21 is +0.77 inches (+2.3%) in overall diameter. That is within the 3% most shops and makers allow.

305/50R21295/55R21Difference%
Overall diameter33.01"33.78"+0.77"+2.3%
Section width12.01"11.61"−0.39"−3.3%
Sidewall height6.00"6.39"+0.38"+6.4%
Circumference103.70"106.11"+2.41"+2.3%
Revolutions per mile611.0597.1−13.9−2.3%

Speedometer difference

If your vehicle came with 305/50R21 and you fit 295/55R21, here is your real speed for each speedometer reading:

Speedometer showsActual speedDifference
20 mph20.5 mph+0.5 mph
30 mph30.7 mph+0.7 mph
40 mph40.9 mph+0.9 mph
50 mph51.2 mph+1.2 mph
60 mph61.4 mph+1.4 mph
65 mph66.5 mph+1.5 mph
70 mph71.6 mph+1.6 mph
75 mph76.7 mph+1.7 mph
80 mph81.9 mph+1.9 mph

Each size on its own

Questions

Which is bigger, 305/50R21 or 295/55R21?
295/55R21 is taller by 0.77 inches (33.78" vs 33.01"). 305/50R21 is wider by 0.39 inches.
Can I replace 305/50R21 with 295/55R21?
Usually, yes. The diameter difference is +2.3%, inside the 3% rule of thumb most tire shops use. Check that the wider or taller tire clears your suspension and fenders, and that its load index meets your placard.
How much will 295/55R21 change my speedometer?
When your speedometer reads 60 mph with 295/55R21 fitted (calibrated for 305/50R21), your real speed is 61.4 mph. Your odometer will under-count miles by about 2.3%.
Will 295/55R21 lift my vehicle?
Ride height changes by half the diameter difference: +0.38 inches of ground clearance at the axle.

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