Getting the right wheel offset is crucial for proper fitment, handling, and appearance. Since 1978, Performance Plus Tire has helped thousands of customers achieve perfect wheel fitment for their vehicles. With over 5,000 custom wheels in stock and more than 100 years of combined team experience, we understand the critical importance of accurate offset calculations.
Use our free wheel offset calculator below to determine the exact offset for your wheels. Whether you're upgrading to larger wheels, installing aftermarket rims, or simply need to verify proper fitment, this tool provides instant, accurate calculations based on your wheel specifications. Our Long Beach showroom team is also available at (888) 926-2689 for personalized fitment advice.
Calculate your wheel offset in millimeters
0.00 mm
Zero Offset
Positive Offset: Mounting surface closer to the street side - wheel sits further inward (common on FWD vehicles)
Negative Offset: Mounting surface closer to the brake side - wheel sits further outward (common on lifted trucks)
Zero Offset: Mounting surface at exact centerline - balanced positioning
After 47 years in the tire and wheel business, we've seen countless fitment issues that could have been prevented with proper offset calculations. Wheel offset determines where your wheel sits in relation to the mounting surface, directly impacting vehicle clearance, handling, and aesthetics. Getting this measurement wrong can lead to rubbing, poor handling, accelerated tire wear, and even damage to suspension components.
1. Ensure Proper Wheel Fitment
When changing wheels on any vehicle, proper fitment is non-negotiable. Wheel offset determines whether your wheel sits too far inward or outward from the mounting surface. Our calculator helps you input your vehicle's specifications and desired wheel measurements to calculate the exact offset needed. This prevents common issues like rubbing against fenders, interference with suspension components, or contact with brake calipers. With our $1.2 million inventory, we stock wheels across the full offset spectrum to match your needs.
2. Achieve Your Desired Aesthetic
Many enthusiasts want that aggressive, flush look where wheels sit perfectly aligned with fender edges. Others prefer a more conservative tucked appearance. By experimenting with different offset values using our calculator, you can visualize how wheels will sit relative to your vehicle's body. Our Long Beach showroom displays hundreds of wheel styles so you can see offset differences in person before purchasing.
3. Maintain Proper Suspension Geometry and Handling
Wheel offset directly impacts your vehicle's suspension geometry and handling characteristics. Changes in offset affect the scrub radius—the distance between the tire's contact patch and the steering axis. This influences steering feel, stability, and even torque steer in front-wheel-drive vehicles. Our wheel experts can assess how offset changes will affect your specific vehicle's handling dynamics before you make modifications.
4. Verify Tire Clearance
Beyond basic wheel fitment, our offset calculator helps determine proper tire clearance. This is especially critical when upgrading to larger wheel and tire combinations. By inputting both wheel offset and tire size specifications, you can identify potential interference with suspension components, brake calipers, or inner fender wells. Our team specializes in fitment for collector cars, vintage vehicles, and custom applications where clearance is often tight.
5. Compare Multiple Wheel Options
Shopping for wheels often means comparing multiple styles with different specifications. Our calculator allows you to evaluate various offset values side by side, making it easier to assess how each wheel will affect fitment, appearance, and performance. This data-driven approach helps you make informed decisions backed by precise measurements rather than guesswork.
Wheel offset is measured in millimeters and indicates the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and its centerline. Positive offset means the mounting surface is toward the street side of the centerline—common on front-wheel-drive vehicles and modern cars for improved handling. Negative offset positions the mounting surface toward the brake side, pushing wheels outward—popular on lifted trucks and aggressive stance builds. Zero offset places the mounting surface exactly at the wheel's centerline, providing balanced positioning.
Whether you order online with fast nationwide shipping or visit our state-of-the-art Long Beach facility at 3910 Cherry Ave., you'll receive expert guidance on wheel fitment. We offer free installation with the purchase of a full wheel set at our Long Beach location, and our team can handle even the most complex custom fitment projects. From daily drivers to show cars, drag racing applications to vintage restorations, we have the experience and inventory to get your fitment perfect.
Wheel offset is the distance in millimeters from the wheel's mounting surface to its centerline. It determines how far inward or outward your wheel sits relative to the hub. Proper offset ensures wheels don't rub against fenders or suspension components, maintains correct suspension geometry for optimal handling, and achieves your desired aesthetic appearance. Incorrect offset can cause premature tire wear, handling problems, and potential damage to your vehicle.
To measure wheel offset, you need the wheel width and backspacing measurements. First, measure the total wheel width from outer edge to outer edge. Then measure the backspacing—the distance from the mounting surface to the inner edge of the wheel. Use the formula: Offset (mm) = [Backspacing (inches) × 25.4] - [(Wheel Width (inches) / 2) × 25.4]. Our calculator above does this math instantly. You can also check the offset stamped on the back of most wheels.
Positive offset means the wheel's mounting surface is closer to the street side (front face) of the wheel, causing it to sit further inward toward the vehicle. This is common on front-wheel-drive cars and modern vehicles. Negative offset positions the mounting surface toward the brake side (back face), pushing the wheel outward for a more aggressive stance. Negative offset is popular on trucks, SUVs, and vehicles with lifted suspensions. Zero offset places the mounting surface exactly at the wheel's centerline.
Yes, incorrect wheel offset can cause serious problems. Too much positive offset may cause wheels to rub against suspension struts or brake calipers. Excessive negative offset can lead to tire contact with fenders during turns or over bumps. Wrong offset also changes suspension geometry, affecting steering response, wheel bearing stress, and potentially accelerating component wear. Additionally, incorrect offset can void vehicle warranties and create unsafe driving conditions. Always verify proper fitment before installation.
Wheel offset directly impacts where your tire sits within the wheel well. More positive offset tucks the wheel further inward, potentially causing inner fender or suspension clearance issues. More negative offset pushes wheels outward, which can cause outer fender rubbing, especially during turns or suspension compression. When upgrading wheel size, you must consider both offset and tire width together. Our experts at Performance Plus Tire can help calculate the optimal offset for your desired wheel and tire combination.
Every vehicle has a recommended offset range based on its suspension design, fender clearance, and intended use. Stock wheels provide a baseline, but you can typically go plus or minus 5-10mm from factory offset safely. However, lowered vehicles, lifted trucks, or wide wheel/tire combinations require careful calculation. The best approach is consulting with fitment experts who understand your specific vehicle platform. Call Performance Plus Tire at (888) 926-2689 for personalized fitment advice based on our 47 years of experience.
Yes, wheel spacers effectively reduce offset by pushing wheels outward. A 10mm spacer on a wheel with +40mm offset creates an effective offset of +30mm. However, spacers should be high-quality, hub-centric designs with proper installation. They can put additional stress on wheel bearings and suspension components if used excessively. It's often better to purchase wheels with the correct offset from the start rather than relying on spacers long-term. Our team can help determine if spacers are appropriate for your application.
Yes, we offer professional wheel installation at our Long Beach location, and it's free with the purchase of a full wheel set. Our experienced technicians handle proper mounting, balancing, torquing to manufacturer specifications, and post-installation inspection. We can also verify fitment and make any necessary adjustments for optimal clearance. Visit us at 3910 Cherry Ave., Long Beach, CA 90805, or order online with nationwide shipping. Call (888) 926-2689 to schedule installation or ask about our services.
With over 5,000 custom wheels in stock and 47 years of fitment experience, we're your trusted source for perfect wheel and tire combinations. Use our calculator above for instant offset calculations, or contact our experts for personalized recommendations. Shop online with fast nationwide shipping or visit our Long Beach showroom for hands-on assistance. Call (888) 926-2689 today—free installation included with full wheel set purchases.
