Wheel Bolt Pattern Measuring Tips
How to Measure Wheel Bolt Pattern — Fast & Easy
Not sure which wheels will bolt onto your car? You can measure the bolt pattern at home with a tape measure. This guide shows simple steps for 4-lug, 5-lug, 6-lug, and 8-lug wheels. If you prefer, tell us your year/make/model and WheelsASAP will verify fitment before we ship. We also include free mount & balance on wheel & tire packages and ship fast and free.
Find Wheels for My Vehicle — Free mount & balance • Fast, free shipping
What is a bolt pattern?
A bolt pattern shows two things: how many lug holes a wheel has, and the distance between them on the circle they form. You write it like 5×114.3 — that means 5 holes and a 114.3 mm diameter circle. The bolt pattern must match your vehicle hub for the wheel to fit.
Tools you need
You do not need special tools. A few common items work fine:
- Tape measure or ruler
- Paper and pencil (to mark and double-check)
- Good light so you can see the center of each hole
How to measure, step by step
4-lug
Measure from the center of one lug hole to the center of the hole directly across from it. That number is the bolt circle diameter (BCD).
6-lug and 8-lug
Same method as 4-lug: measure center-to-center straight across between two holes that sit opposite each other on the wheel.
5-lug (the trick)
Because 5-lug wheels don’t have a hole directly opposite any one hole, use this quick trick: measure from the center of one lug to the far edge (outer edge) of the lug hole two positions away. That measurement gives you the bolt circle diameter. See the quick chart below for common 5-lug readings.
| Measurement on tape | Approx. mm | Common bolt pattern |
|---|---|---|
| ~4.25 in | 108 mm | 5×108 |
| ~4.50 in | 114.3 mm | 5×114.3 (very common) |
| ~4.75 in | 120.7 mm | 5×120.65 |
| ~5.00 in | 127 mm | 5×127 |
| ~5.50 in | 139.7 mm | 5×139.7 |
These are common guides. Always double-check your reading and your vehicle specs.
Common bolt patterns by vehicle type
- Small cars / compacts: 4×100, 4×108
- Many cars: 5×100, 5×112, 5×114.3, 5×120
- Light trucks / SUVs: 6×135, 6×139.7 (6×5.5)
- Heavy trucks: 8×165.1 (8×6.5), 8×180
Trim level, brakes, or model year may change patterns — when in doubt, measure and tell us the number.
Pro tips to avoid mistakes
- Measure twice and rotate the wheel to re-check.
- Measure in millimeters when you can for more accuracy.
- If you’re unsure, use your vehicle owner’s manual or dealer spec as a reference.
- When you order from WheelsASAP, we double-check your fitment before shipping. If there’s any mismatch, we contact you.
Ready to shop? We’ll verify fitment
If you can measure your bolt pattern with a tape measure, you can pick the right wheels. Order wheels or a wheel & tire package and we will:
- Confirm bolt pattern and fitment before shipping
- Mount & balance the package for free
- Ship fast and free to your home or installer
Want extra help? Contact our fitment team and include your measurements and vehicle info.
Frequently asked questions
Can I measure bolt pattern with a tape measure?
Yes. A tape measure or ruler works fine. Use the center-to-center method for even lug counts and the 5-lug trick described above.
Do I need a special tool?
No. Special tools help but are not required. A tape measure is enough for a reliable reading.
What if my reading falls between two numbers?
Convert inches to millimeters (in × 25.4) and compare to the closest common size. If you are unsure, send your measurement and year/make/model to us and we will verify.
Can I install a wheel & tire package myself?
If you can change a spare tire, you can install our mounted & balanced packages. Or, ship to your installer and they will bolt them on quickly.
