5-Lug Bolt Patterns
Tiregrades says 5-lug patterns are measured from the center of one stud to the back of the stud farthest from it. Gauge Magazine adds that you can measure center to center across one skipped stud and multiply by 1.05.
Enter your numbers and press Calculate.
Measuring a 5-lug pattern step by step
- Remove the center cap if it covers the studs.
- Pick any stud and find the stud farthest from it.
- Hook the tape on the center of the first stud and read to the far edge of the farthest one, or read center to center across one skipped stud and multiply by 1.051.
- Convert: millimeters ÷ 25.4 = inches.
- Match the result to the chart above, then confirm against the size stamped on the wheel.
From neighboring studs
If only two neighboring studs are easy to reach, measure center to center and multiply by 1.701 (1 ÷ sin(180° ÷ 5)) to get the bolt circle.
What your tape should read
For 4, 6 and 8 lugs the first column is center to center straight across; for 5 lugs it is center to center across one skipped stud. The second column is the distance between neighboring studs, a handy cross-check on any pattern.
| Pattern | Main reading | Neighbor studs |
|---|---|---|
| 4x100 | 100.0 mm (3.94 in) | 70.7 mm (2.78 in) |
| 4x108 | 108.0 mm (4.25 in) | 76.4 mm (3.01 in) |
| 4x114.3 | 114.3 mm (4.50 in) | 80.8 mm (3.18 in) |
| 5x100 | 95.1 mm (3.74 in) | 58.8 mm (2.31 in) |
| 5x108 | 102.7 mm (4.04 in) | 63.5 mm (2.50 in) |
| 5x112 | 106.5 mm (4.19 in) | 65.8 mm (2.59 in) |
| 5x114.3 | 108.7 mm (4.28 in) | 67.2 mm (2.65 in) |
| 5x120 | 114.1 mm (4.49 in) | 70.5 mm (2.78 in) |
| 5x127 | 120.8 mm (4.76 in) | 74.6 mm (2.94 in) |
| 5x135 | 128.4 mm (5.05 in) | 79.4 mm (3.12 in) |
| 5x139.7 | 132.9 mm (5.23 in) | 82.1 mm (3.23 in) |
| 6x114.3 | 114.3 mm (4.50 in) | 57.1 mm (2.25 in) |
| 6x135 | 135.0 mm (5.31 in) | 67.5 mm (2.66 in) |
| 6x139.7 | 139.7 mm (5.50 in) | 69.8 mm (2.75 in) |
| 8x165.1 | 165.1 mm (6.50 in) | 63.2 mm (2.49 in) |
| 8x170 | 170.0 mm (6.69 in) | 65.1 mm (2.56 in) |
Computed from the bolt circle: straight across = PCD; skip one (5 lug) = PCD × sin 72°; neighbors = PCD × sin(180° ÷ lugs).
Before you buy wheels
- The stud count and bolt circle must match exactly; a wheel drilled a millimeter or two off will not seat properly on every stud.
- Check the center bore and the lug nut or bolt seat type along with the pattern.
- Use the size stamped on your current wheel rather than a tape reading when you can.
Common questions
How many 5-lug patterns are there?
Many; the chart lists the 8 covered on this site. Wheels are also made with dual drilling for two patterns.
What does PCD mean?
Pitch circle diameter: the diameter of the circle through the centers of the studs. It is the second number in a pattern such as 5x114.3.
Related calculators
Sources
- https://tiregrades.com/tire-anatomy/wheels/how-to-measure-bolt-pattern
- https://store.gaugemagazine.com/blog/how-to-measure-a-bolt-pattern/
- https://drivenproducts.com/blogs/wheel-and-wheel-accessory-terminology/wheel-bolt-patterns-and-bolt-circles