Measuring Your Bolt Pattern

Knowing your vehicle’s bolt pattern ensures the wheels you choose will fit and center correctly. Use the guide below to measure 4, 5, 6, and 8-lug patterns, avoid common mistakes, and confirm fitment before you mount tires.

Measurements

Tools: lug wrench, ruler or tape that shows 1/32" increments (and mm), notepad.

5-Lug Vehicles (two proven methods)

1. Remove a wheel (rear is often easiest if the hub isn’t in the way) and count the studs.
2. Skip-a-stud method: measure from the center of one stud to the outer edge of the third stud (skip one in between). The value you read is the bolt circle diameter (PCD). Example: 4.5" = 5x4.5 (5x114.3).
3. Inside-to-outside method: measure from the inside edge of one stud to the outside edge of the next adjacent stud. Then match that measurement to a 5-lug PCD reference (see our bolt pattern conversion chart (mm ? inches)).
4. Measure both front and rear to confirm they’re the same.

4, 6, and 8-Lug Vehicles (single method)

1. Remove a wheel and count the studs.
2. Measure across the hub from the center of one stud to the center of the directly opposite stud (inside edge to outside edge also works if the hub blocks the center). The distance you read is the PCD.

Common examples:

• 5x4.5 = 5x114.3 mm
• 5x4.75 = 5x120.65 mm
• 5x5 = 5x127 mm
• 4x100 = ~3.94"
• 6x5.5 = 6x139.7 mm
• 8x6.5 = 8x165.1 mm

Need more background first? See our Wheel Bolt Patterns Guide and the Wheel Glossary.

Clearance Checks

• Hub bore: Verify the wheel’s center bore fits or use rings if needed. Learn more: Custom Wheel Hub Bore.
• Backspacing/offset: Ensure spoke/caliper and fender clearance. See Backspacing and Offset Explained.
• Overall tire size: Keep diameter in range to protect ABS and gearing. Try the Plus/Minus Sizing Calculator.

Safety & Load Ratings

• Wheels and tires must meet or exceed your vehicle’s load requirements; confirm tire speed/load indexes here: Tire Load & Speed Ratings.
• Match correct hardware (seat type, thread size/pitch) and torque to spec. If using spacers/adapters, review best practices: Adapters & Spacers Guide and Are Your Wheels Safe?
• Important: Do a dry fit check before mounting tires—most brands won’t accept returns on wheels once tires are mounted.

Professional Fitment Advice

Want guaranteed fit the easy way? Use our vehicle selector and shop wheels we stand behind for your exact year/make/model: Shop Wheels That Fit. Building a full setup? Explore Wheel & Tire Packages.

Get Help (CTAs)

• Bolt Pattern Conversion Chart (mm ? inches)
• How Bolt Patterns Work
• Contact the Fitment Team

Reviewed by the Performance Plus Tire Fitment Team.