Metric Tire Codes vs. Wheel Bolt Patterns
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
The ISO Metric Tire Code (standardized under ISO 4000-1 and ETRTO conventions, e.g. P225/45R17 91V) is the universal automotive tire sizing nomenclature. Decoding section width in millimeters, aspect ratio sidewall height percentage, internal radial carcass construction, wheel rim diameter in inches, load index, and maximum speed symbol.
Wheel Bolt Patterns (defined by the number of wheel lugs and their Pitch Circle Diameter / PCD in millimeters or inches, e.g. 5×114.3 mm or 5×4.5") establish the mechanical bolt hole circle on the wheel hub. Standardizing automotive fitments across Japanese (5×114.3), German VAG/Mercedes (5×112), BMW (5×120 / 5×112), Ford/PSA (4×108), and pickup trucks (6×139.7 / 6×5.5").
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standardization
|
ISO 4000-1 / ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation) / US Tire & Rim Association (TRA) | — |
|
Prefix Designation
|
P: Passenger Car | LT: Light Truck (heavier plies) | ST: Special Trailer | T: Temporary Spare | — |
|
Section Width (e.g. '225')
|
Nominal cross-sectional tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall (225 mm) | — |
|
Aspect Ratio / Profile (e.g. '45')
|
Sidewall section height expressed as a percentage of width (Height = 225 × 0.45 = 101.25 mm) | — |
|
Internal Construction (e.g. 'R')
|
R: Radial ply cord orientation (90° to travel) | D / B: Bias ply / belted bias (historic) | — |
|
Rim Diameter (e.g. '17')
|
Wheel rim bead seat diameter in whole inches (17.0 inches = 431.8 mm) | — |
|
DOT Date Code
|
4-digit oval stamp (e.g. '2422' = manufactured during the 24th week of 2022) | — |
|
Definition of PCD
|
— | The diameter of the notional circle passing through the center of all wheel lug stud holes |
|
5×114.3 mm (5×4.5 in)
|
— | The most widely used Japanese/American pattern: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Ford Mustang, Tesla Model 3/Y |
|
5×112 mm
|
— | The German automotive benchmark: Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche Macan, Mercedes-Benz, modern BMW (G-chassis), MINI |
|
5×120 mm (5×4.72 in)
|
— | Classic BMW (E & F chassis), Honda Civic Type R (FK8/FL5), Tesla Model S/X, Chevrolet Corvette |
|
5×100 mm & 4×100 mm
|
— | 5×100: Subaru WRX/BRZ, Toyota GT86, older VW Golf | 4×100: Mazda Miata NA/NB, classic Honda Civic, BMW E30 |
|
6×139.7 mm (6×5.5 in)
|
— | The universal body-on-frame truck/SUV standard: Toyota Tacoma/4Runner/Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger, Chevy Silverado |
|
5-Lug Measurement Rule
|
— | Measure from the center of one hole to the outer edge of the second opposite hole (not center-to-center) |