A bolt pattern (or PCD) dictates exactly how a wheel attaches to your vehicle's hub. If you're trying to fit new rims, matching the notation like 5x114.3 is the first and most critical step. Get this wrong, and the wheel simply will not bolt onto your car, regardless of offset or width.
The bolt pattern, officially called Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD), represents the diameter of the imaginary circle formed by the centers of the wheel lugs. It tells you two things: how many bolts are used, and the diameter of the circle they create.
The format is always [Number of lugs] x [Diameter in millimeters]. For example, 5x114.3 means there are 5 lug holes evenly spaced around a circle with a diameter of 114.3 millimeters. You might also see it written in inches, like 5x4.5, which is the exact same measurement.
Depending on the number of lugs, measuring requires different techniques:
| Manufacturer | Common Bolt Pattern | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Honda / Acura | 5x114.3 | Older models use 4x100; Civic Type R uses 5x120 |
| Toyota / Lexus | 5x114.3 | Trucks often use 6x139.7; GR86 uses 5x100 |
| BMW | 5x120 | Newer G-chassis use 5x112 |
| Subaru | 5x114.3 (STI/WRX) | Most standard models use 5x100 |
| Volkswagen / Audi | 5x112 | Older VWs use 4x100 or 5x100 |
If you find the perfect set of wheels but the bolt pattern is wrong, you can use adapter plates (e.g., converting 5x100 to 5x114.3). However, adapters are thick—usually 15mm to 25mm. This acts as a spacer, pushing the wheel outward and changing the effective offset. Check the homepage calculator before going this route.
The bolt pattern secures the wheel, but the center bore bears the vehicle's weight. Hub-centric wheels have a center bore that perfectly matches the vehicle's hub. Lug-centric wheels have a larger bore and rely entirely on the lug nuts for centering. Always use hub-centric rings if your aftermarket wheels have a larger bore to prevent high-speed vibrations.
The wheel will not fit onto the vehicle's hub. Forcing it can damage the wheel studs and is extremely dangerous.
Yes, using adapter plates, but this adds thickness (acting like a spacer) which changes the effective wheel offset.
Yes. PCD stands for Pitch Circle Diameter, which is the technical term for the bolt pattern circle.
These are universal or dual-drilled wheels made to fit two different bolt patterns, like 5x100 and 5x114.3 on the same wheel.
No. Hub-centric rings only correct the center bore size. The bolt pattern must still match exactly.