How to Measure Bolt Pattern

Measuring your bolt pattern takes about 2 minutes and requires only a tape measure or ruler. Here is exactly how to do it.

What Is a Bolt Pattern?

A bolt pattern (also called a lug pattern) describes two things: how many lug holes your wheel has, and the diameter of the imaginary circle that passes through the center of each lug hole. It is written as 5x114.3, where 5 is the number of lugs and 114.3 is the PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter) in millimeters.

Step 1: Count Your Lug Holes

Simply count the number of lug holes on your wheel or hub. Most passenger cars have 4 or 5 lugs. Trucks and SUVs commonly have 6 or 8. This gives you the first number in your bolt pattern.

Step 2: Measure the PCD

The measurement method depends on whether you have an even or odd number of lugs.

For 4-lug wheels

Measure directly across from the center of one lug hole to the center of the hole directly opposite. That measurement in millimeters is your PCD. Common: 4x100, 4x114.3.

For 6-lug or 8-lug wheels

Same as 4-lug. Measure center-to-center of two directly opposite holes. Common: 6x139.7, 8x170.

For 5-lug wheels (most common)

There is no hole directly opposite with 5 lugs, so you measure from the center of one hole to the far edge of the hole that is two positions away (skip one hole). Multiply that measurement by 1.051 to get your PCD. Common 5-lug patterns: 5x100, 5x112, 5x114.3, 5x120, 5x139.7.

Step 3: Confirm in Millimeters

If you measured in inches, multiply by 25.4 to convert to millimeters. Most bolt patterns are listed in mm. Round to the nearest standard size: 98, 100, 108, 110, 112, 114.3, 120, 127, 130, 139.7, 150.

Common Bolt Patterns by Brand

Why It Matters

Using the wrong bolt pattern can cause wheels to sit off-center, create dangerous vibration, or prevent the wheel from seating properly against the hub. Always verify before buying aftermarket wheels.

Look up your vehicle in the BoltPattern411 database →