Wheel Bolt Patterns & Bolt Circles

Bolt pattern, or bolt circle, is how we measure the size of the circle made by your vehicle's bolts or bolt holes. For passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs, this circle will consist of 4-8 bolts or bolt holes. For example, a bolt pattern of 5x114.3 will indicate that the vehicle has a 5-lug pattern.

How are bolt patterns measured?

Bolt patterns consist of two important numbers: (1) number of bolts or bolt holes and (2) pitch circle diameter. For example, a bolt pattern of 4x100 would tell you that there were 4 bolts or bolt holes with a 100mm pitch circle diameter. The pitch circle diameter measurement can be shown in US Standard (in) or Metric (mm).

It's always best to get your bolt pattern direct from the manufacturer or measuring yourself by using a bolt pattern gauge. But just in case. Here's a quick guide to help you measure your bolt pattern using a ruler. Please refer to the diagram above for a visual reference.

• 4-Lug Bolt Patterns: can be measured by using a straight line, from center to center, of two bolts or bolt holes directly across from one another.
• 5-Lug Bolt Patterns: can be measured using a straight line from the outside of one bolt or bolt hole to the center of the third bolt hole. Please note that 5-lug bolt pattern measurement is only an estimate unless measured using a bolt pattern gauge. The 5-lug bolt patterns are more difficult to measure because the studs or bolt holes are not directly across from one another.
• 6-Lug Bolt Patterns: can be measured by using a straight line, from center to center, of two bolts or bolt holes directly across from one another.
• 8-Lug Bolt Patterns: can be measured by using a straight line, from center to center, of two bolts or bolt holes directly across from one another.

What are the common bolt patterns?

The following table is a list of common bolt patterns found on passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs. This will show you the US Standard measurement as well as the metric conversion.