Wheel Bolt Patterns vs. Wheel Offset
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
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").
Wheel Offset (denoted as ET from the German 'Einpresstiefe', measured in millimeters) is the distance from the wheel's true centerline to the mounting hub face. Dictating whether wheels tuck inside fenders (Positive ET), sit centered (Zero ET), or poke outwards (Negative ET), offset directly controls suspension scrub radius, steering stability, and brake caliper clearance.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
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) | — |
|
Definition of Offset (ET)
|
— | Distance in millimeters from the physical geometric centerline of the wheel width to the mounting hub contact face |
|
Positive Offset (+ET, e.g. ET+45)
|
— | Hub face is located toward the outer street-facing side of the wheel (standard on front-wheel drive and modern AWD cars) |
|
Zero Offset (ET0)
|
— | Hub mounting face aligns exactly with the true centerline of the wheel width |
|
Negative Offset (-ET, e.g. ET-12)
|
— | Hub face is recessed toward the back/suspension side, pushing the wheel outwards into a deep-dish stance (lifted 4x4 trucks) |
|
Scrub Radius Impact
|
— | Decreasing positive offset pushes wheels outwards and creates positive scrub radius (increases steering kickback and torque steer) |
|
Brake Caliper Clearance (X-Factor)
|
— | Spoke curvature independent of ET that clears large Brembo multi-piston fixed brake calipers |