How Do I Measure Wheel Bolt Pattern?
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Your vehicle's bolt pattern is one of, if not the, first criteria that needs to be considered when determining if a wheel will fit your car or not. While there are quite a few different bolt patterns in use on vehicles these days, cracking the code isn't as hard as it initially seems. The bolt pattern is the number and spacing of the lug hole openings which will match the vehicle hub’s corresponding stud or bolt pattern measurement.
Imagine a circle that intersects each stud or bolt hole. The number of holes and the diameter of that circle (sometimes expressed in inches, sometimes in millimeters) combine to form the bolt pattern. Measuring a bolt pattern can be somewhat straight forward for a 4 lug wheel, as you can measure from the center of one opening straight across to the other. However, odd number patterns like the 5x5 bolt pattern add another step. Measuring the bolt pattern of a 5 lug wheel requires measuring from the center of one lug to the imaginary outboard plane that would bridge the opposite two lugs together (pictured). This method should get close enough for a confirmation of the pattern, but since there are several 5 bolt patterns with diameters very close to each other, it's best to consult a bolt pattern guide or pick up a bolt pattern gauge to be sure.
Note: When measuring a 5-lug wheel the measurement is only an estimate unless accurately measured using a bolt pattern gauge. A bolt pattern gauge is a specialty tool and is not widely available. To ensure the proper fitment of 5-lug wheels, Tire Rack's fitment specialists have the exact bolt pattern information for all vehicles and review the information before listing a wheel as an exact fit for that vehicle in search results. When selecting wheels by vehicle, only wheels that will be a proper fit for the vehicle selected are shown.