Tech Talk.

What is a bolt pattern?

…and how the heck do I figure out what bolt pattern I have?

A bolt pattern—also known as a lug pattern—is the measurement of an imaginary circle formed by the lug holes at the center of a wheel. This measurement matches the wheel studs mounted on the hub of your vehicle. Bolt patterns such as 5x112, 6x139.7, or 4x108 use two numbers: the first tells you how many bolt holes the wheel has, and the second gives the diameter of the imaginary circle around those holes.

Cars typically use four- or five-lug patterns, while trucks commonly use six- or eight-lug patterns. A specific vehicle model can also use different patterns across generations. Knowing the correct pattern helps narrow your wheel search—but how do you determine yours? You can use a bolt-pattern gauge, consult a trusted online tool, or work with a wheel and tire specialist.

We’ll start with popular bolt patterns and how they’re typically measured.

Popular bolt patterns

How they’re typically measured.

Diagram showing how to measure a four-lug wheel bolt pattern across opposite holes

4-lug bolt pattern

Measure in a straight line from the center of one bolt hole to the center of the hole directly opposite it. Popular four-lug patterns include 4x100 and 4x108.

Diagram showing how a five-lug wheel bolt pattern is measured

5-lug bolt pattern

Five-lug patterns are difficult to measure accurately without a bolt-pattern gauge or a geometric calculation. Common patterns include 5x100, 5x112, 5x114.3, and 5x127.

Diagram showing how to measure a six-lug wheel bolt pattern across opposite holes

6-lug bolt pattern

Measure in a straight line from the center of one bolt hole to the center of the hole directly opposite it. Popular patterns include 6x135 and 6x139.7.

Diagram showing how to measure an eight-lug wheel bolt pattern across opposite holes

8-lug bolt pattern

Measure in a straight line from the center of one bolt hole to the center of the hole directly opposite it.

Dual-lug bolt patterns

Dual bolt patterns are found exclusively on aftermarket wheels; a single vehicle does not have two bolt patterns. Some patterns, such as 5x112 and 5x120, are close enough that certain wheel designs can accommodate both.

Our Super Touring line is a great example. This approach allows wheel manufacturers to support a wider range of vehicles with similar patterns and fitment using a single wheel design.

Diagram of an aftermarket wheel with two five-lug bolt patterns

Bolt pattern conversion chart

Some wheels—particularly those for off-road vehicles—list bolt patterns in inches instead of millimeters. Use these tables to quickly compare the two formats.

4-lug bolt patterns
MillimetersInches
4x98mm4-3.86″
4x100mm4-3.94″
4x108mm4-4.25″
4x110mm4-4.33″
4x114.3mm4-4.50″
5-lug bolt patterns
MillimetersInches
5x100mm5-3.94″
5x108mm5-4.25″
5x112mm5-4.41″
5x114.3mm5-4.50″
5x120mm5-4.72″
5x127mm5-5.00″
5x130mm5-5.12″
5x150mm5-5.91″
6-lug bolt patterns
MillimetersInches
6x114.3mm6-4.50″
6x115mm6-4.52″
6x127mm6-5.00″
6x132mm6-5.20″
6x135mm6-5.30″
6x139.7mm6-5.50″

What is my bolt pattern?

Use a trusted online tool or work with a wheel and tire specialist to confirm your bolt pattern. Some patterns differ by only a few millimeters, so a small measuring error can produce the wrong result.

While we update our embedded vehicle finder, you can confirm your vehicle specifications directly through wheel-size.com or contact our team for help.

Still have questions?

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