How to Measure Wheel Bolt Pattern

Bolt pattern is one of the first measurements to confirm before buying wheels. It tells you how many wheel studs or lug holes the vehicle uses and the diameter of the circle those studs form.

How bolt patterns are written

A bolt pattern is commonly written as two numbers, such as 5x120. The first number is the number of lugs. The second number is the pitch-circle diameter, usually measured in millimeters.

Step 1: Count the lugs

Count the wheel studs or lug holes. Common passenger-car patterns use four, five, six or eight lugs.

Step 2: Measure the circle

For an even number of lugs, measure from the center of one stud or hole directly across to the center of the opposite stud or hole. For a five-lug pattern, there is no stud directly opposite another, so use a proper bolt-pattern gauge or the vehicle/wheel manufacturer’s specification rather than estimating.

Do not rely on visual similarity

Two patterns can look almost identical but still be incompatible. A wheel should not be installed simply because the lug holes appear close enough.

Other measurements still matter

A matching bolt pattern does not guarantee the wheel fits. Also check hub diameter, wheel width, offset/backspacing, brake clearance, lug-seat type, tire size and suspension/body clearance.

Modified vehicles

Adapters, axle swaps, brake conversions and hub changes can alter what fits compared with the original factory configuration. If the car has been modified, confirm what is actually on the vehicle.

Need help?

Use the Contact page to send your year, make, model, current wheel/tire setup and photos. For the full process, visit the Spokes & Vogues Fitment Center.

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