How To Find The Bolt Pattern of Your Wheels
October 5, 2022
Everything You Need To Know About Wheel Bolt Patterns
Stop us if this has happened to you before - you found a set of wheels in the perfect diameter and width, just right for your vehicle. Then they came to your door and you got all excited, and when you went to install them on your car… they didn't fit. What happened there?
Well, friend, you probably missed out on the other part of the wheel fitment equation. Diameter, width, and offset are essential for getting the right set of wheels for your ride, but even more important is the bolt pattern of those wheels. Today, we'll show you how to figure out the bolt pattern of your vehicle, and show you the most popular sizes so you can go into your search prepared. Check it out!
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What Is A Bolt Pattern And How Is It Calculated?
Every vehicle in existence comes with a bolt pattern that its wheels must be compatible with, and that's why it's so essential to know yours before you begin your search. In short, all wheels have a number of lug nuts drilled in a specific configuration around the center cap of the wheel, and the number of lugs combines with the distance between the top and bottom of those lug drillings to create the bolt pattern of your wheel.
To calculate your bolt pattern with an even number of lugs, all you need to do is count out how many lugs are drilled into the center of your wheel, and then measure (either in inches or millimeters) the distance between the middle of the uppermost lug and the lower lug. If you have an odd number of lugs - usually five - measure from the very top of the upper lug on your wheel to the middle of the lower lug. Don't worry if you don't get the measurements 100% precise, though - just be as accurate as you can and you'll be good.
In practice, bolt patterns are designated by the number of lugs on the wheel, followed by the distance between those lugs. So, a bolt pattern of 6x5.5", for example, denotes a wheel that has six lug nuts and 5.5 inches of height from top to bottom.
Read More: What Are The Best Winter Tires?
What Are The Most Common Bolt Patterns For Car Wheels?
Most car wheels you'll encounter will be available in either four-lug or five-lug configuration, and we've listed each of the most popular bolt patterns for each lug amount below. For simplicity's sake, we'll be listing both the inch and millimeter measurements for all bolt patterns so you can easily convert between the two - you'll see both out in the wild.
Top Four-Lug Wheel Bolt Patterns and Measurement Conversions
Top Five-Lug Wheel Bolt Patterns and Measurement Conversions
- 5x4.25" (5 x 108mm)
- 5x4.5" (5 x 114.3mm)
- 5x4.75" (5 x 120.7mm)
- 5x5" (5 x 127mm)
- 5x5.5" (5 x 139.7mm)
- 5x6.5" (5 x 165.1mm)
- 5x98mm (5 x 3.86")
- 5x100mm (5 x 3.94")
- 5x110mm (5 x 4.33")
- 5x112mm (5 x 4.41")
- 5x115mm (5 x 4.52")
- 5x120mm (5 x 4.72")
- 5x130mm (5 x 5.12")
- 5x135mm (5 x 5.3")
- 5x150mm (5 x 5.91")
- 5x155mm (5 x 6.1")
- 5x205mm (5 x 8.07")
What Are The Most Common Bolt Patterns For Truck Wheels?
Most Truck and SUV wheels will be available in six and eight-lug configurations, given that these wheels are usually larger and require more contact points with the axle. We've listed all of the most popular six and eight-lug wheel bolt patterns below:
Top Six-Lug Wheel Bolt Patterns and Measurement Conversions
- 6x4.5" (6 x 114.3mm)
- 6x5" (6 x 127mm)
- 6x5.5" (6 x 139.7mm)
- 6x115mm (6 x 4.52")
- 6x132mm (6 x 5.2")
- 6x135mm (6 x 5.3")
Top Eight-Lug Wheel Bolt Patterns and Measurement Conversions
- 8x6.5" (8 x 165.1mm)
- 8x165mm" (8 x 6.5")
- 8x170mm" (8 x 6.69")
- 8x200mm" (8 x 787")
How To Change The Bolt Pattern Of Your Wheels
Let's say that you found a set of wheels that you really want on your vehicle, but it doesn't come in the bolt pattern that you need. Your search shouldn't end there, though - in fact, there are plenty of manufacturers who create wheel adapters for this exact purpose.
Wheel adapters are what their name implies - they bolt onto your vehicle's axle and simulate a different bolt pattern, which can open up your wheel search to a huge new number of options. So, if you have a 5x114.3mm car and want to adjust it to be compatible with 5x100mm wheels, a good adapter can do just what you need.
Read More: What Is The Biggest Lift Kit I Can Install On My Truck?
Shop Aftermarket Car, Truck & SUV Wheels at Mr. Wheel Deal
No matter what your car, truck or SUV's bolt pattern is, you'll be able to find the perfect wheel to fit it right here at Mr. Wheel Deal. Be sure to check out our inventory today and build your wheel and tire package with us in the right bolt pattern for your ride - then, fill out a quote form, and within 24 hours we'll have your price ready to go. It's that easy!
