How to Measure Wheel Bolt Patterns — SpacerHub's Quick Guide for a Perfect Fit

When it comes to upgrading your ride or swapping out your wheels, there’s one crucial detail you can’t afford to overlook: the bolt pattern.

Get it right, and you’ll enjoy a smooth, secure fit and confident handling.
Get it wrong, and you risk alignment issues, poor drivability — or wheels that don’t fit at all.

At SpacerHub, we’re here to make sure you avoid the guesswork.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of bolt pattern measurement so you can shop smarter, drive safer, and get the results you want.

⏱️ Got 7 Minutes? Here's What a Bolt Pattern Really Means

Your wheel’s bolt pattern (or lug configuration) is made up of two things:

• The number of bolt holes (lugs)

• The diameter of the imaginary circle those bolts create

For example, a 5x114.3mm pattern means there are five lugs spaced evenly along a 114.3mm circle. This spacing determines how the wheel attaches to the vehicle’s hub.

🚨 Why It Matters

Running wheels with the wrong bolt pattern can lead to:

• ❌ Improper fitment

• ❌ Unsafe driving conditions

• ❌ Suspension wear and steering issues

Whether you’re adding spacers, going wider, or upgrading for style or off-road clearance, knowing your exact bolt pattern is non-negotiable.

🔧 How to Measure Your Vehicle's Bolt Pattern

Measuring your bolt pattern isn’t just about fit — it’s about safety, longevity, and keeping your build dialed in. Here’s how to get it right the first time.

Step 1: Count Your Lugs

Start by counting the number of lugs or studs on your wheel hub.
This is the first number in your bolt pattern.

Quick Lug Breakdown:

• 4 lugs – Common on older cars and smaller sedans

• 5 lugs – Most common pattern for daily drivers and light trucks

• 6 lugs – Found on pickups, 4x4s, and off-road builds

• 8 lugs – Designed for heavy-duty trucks and hauling rigs

💡 Pro Tip: More lugs = more load support and better distribution

Step 2: Choose the Right Measuring Tool

Accuracy matters — even a few millimeters off can cause serious fitment issues. Here's what you can use:

• Bolt Pattern Gauge (best choice): Designed specifically for this task

• Digital Caliper: Ideal for detailed, accurate measurements

• Tape Measure/Ruler: Works in a pinch, but not always reliable

💡 Most tire or wheel shops will verify your bolt pattern for free if you’re unsure!

Step 3: Measure the Bolt Circle Diameter (BCD)

Now that you’ve got your lug count, measure the bolt circle diameter — this is where the pattern comes to life.

Even-Lug Patterns (4, 6, 8 lugs):
✔️ Measure from the center of one lug to the center of the lug directly across from it.

5-Lug Patterns (Odd):
✔️ Measure from the outer edge of one lug hole to the center of the third lug across the circle (skip one in between).

📏 Metric vs. Standard Measurements

Bolt patterns can be listed in millimeters (mm) or inches — mixing these up is one of the most common causes of misfit.

Conversion Chart:

Metric (mm)Imperial (inches)5x114.3mm5x4.5"6x139.7mm6x5.5"4x100mm4x3.94"

💡 Quick tip: Divide mm by 25.4 to get inches, or multiply inches by 25.4 to get mm.

🛠️ How to Guarantee a Proper Fit

Whether you're swapping wheels, upgrading clearance, or just replacing a worn set, four things make the difference between perfect fitment and expensive headaches:

1. Get the Right Specs

• Diameter & Width: Match or stay within range of your original setup

• Load Rating: Especially important for trucks or off-road use

• Brake Clearance: Make sure your wheels clear brake calipers and suspension

• Offset & Backspacing: Key for avoiding rubbing and uneven wear

2. Know Common Bolt Patterns by Vehicle Type

Here are a few go-to patterns to know:

• 4x100mm – Found on compact cars like Civics, Miatas

• 5x114.3mm (5x4.5") – Common for Honda, Ford, and Nissan

• 6x139.7mm (6x5.5") – Found on Tacomas, Silverados, and similar trucks

Some aftermarket wheels use dual-drilled patterns so they fit multiple vehicles — double-check before you buy.

3. Double-Check Your Vehicle Specs

Before placing your order:

• Look up your specs in the owner’s manual

• Use your VIN to verify online

• Reach out to SpacerHub if you’re not 100% sure

🚗 SpacerHub Pro Tips for a Flawless Fit

• ✔️ Measure twice before ordering

• ✔️ Keep your specs written down for future mods

• ✔️ Consult trusted sources if anything feels off

• ✔️ Plan for seasons — especially if you swap summer/winter setups

Final Word: Don’t Leave Fitment to Chance

At SpacerHub, we believe fitment isn’t just about style — it’s about safety, stability, and performance.

Whether you’re building a track-ready setup, off-roading on weekends, or dialing in your stance with spacers, knowing your bolt pattern (and getting the rest of your specs right) makes all the difference.

We offer precision-built spacers, adapters, and pro measuring tools to make your wheel upgrade easy and stress-free.

Ready to Upgrade?

🛠️ Shop our curated collection of bolt-on solutions
📩 Contact our team for custom recommendations
🧭 Drive with confidence — get the perfect fit, first time

SpacerHub Guide: Installing 2-Piece Conversion Adapters
Your safety is our priority — we strongly recommend professional installation.

What's Included

Every SpacerHub 2-piece adapter kit consists of:

• An inner plate (no studs)

• An outer plate (with pre-installed studs)

Start by removing the black bolts to separate the two components before installation.

Installation Instructions

Step 1: Mount the Inner Plate to the Vehicle Hub

Secure the inner section directly to your vehicle’s hub using open-end lug nuts that match your hub’s thread pitch.

• Ensure the nuts are fully seated inside the countersunk holes.

• If they protrude, replace them with low-profile open-end nuts to prevent clearance issues.

Step 2: Fasten the Outer Plate

Place the outer section onto the inner plate and secure it with the supplied black bolts.

• Torque bolts to 50–55 ft-lb.

• Apply ThreadLocker (e.g., Loctite) to the first 5–6 threads before tightening for added vibration resistance and long-term strength.

Step 3: Mount Your Wheels

Install your wheels over the adapter studs and fasten them using lug nuts that match the adapter’s thread size.

Pre-Installation Checks

Before installing, inspect and clean all contact surfaces:

• Between the vehicle hub and the inner plate

• Between the inner and outer adapter pieces

• Between the outer adapter and the wheel

Remove any retaining clips, rust, or debris that may prevent proper fitment.

Note: Ensure that the vehicle’s original hub studs do not contact or interfere with the outer plate. If they extend too far, trim them as needed.

Torque Specifications

Use the following torque values for both hub-side and wheel-side lug nuts:

• 7/16” studs – 65 ft-lb

• 1/2” studs – 85 ft-lb

• 12mm studs – 80 ft-lb

• 14mm studs – 95 ft-lb

• 9/16” studs – 100 ft-lb

Maintenance Tips

• Re-torque all lug nuts and bolts after 50–100 miles of driving. As the adapters seat and settle, torque can slightly shift.

• Inspect every 3,000–5,000 miles, especially during oil changes or tire rotations. Regular checks ensure your adapters stay secure and perform safely.

SpacerHub Wheel Thread Size & Bolt Pattern Reference

Important Notice: The details presented here are for general guidance only. SpacerHub strives to ensure accuracy, but we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of this data. For precise fitment, always verify your vehicle’s specifications or reach out to our technical support team for assistance.

Vehicle Specifications by Make & Model

Acura

ModelYear RangeBolt PatternLug Thread SizeLug TypeCenter Bore (mm)3.0 CL V61998+5x114.3 mm12mm x 1.5 RHNut70.3Integra Type R1997–20015x114.3 mm12mm x 1.5 RHNut64.1Legend1991+5x114.3 mm12mm x 1.5 RHNut70.3NSX1991+5x114.3 mm12mm x 1.5 RHNutFront: 64.1 / Rear: 70.3RL 3.51996–20045x114.3 mm12mm x 1.5 RHNut64.1RSX2001+5x114.3 mm12mm x 1.5 RHNut64.1TL 3.51996+5x114.3 mm12mm x 1.5 RHNut64.1TL 3.5 Type S2002+5x114.3 mm12mm x 1.5 RHNut64.1TSX2004+5x114.3 mm12mm x 1.5 RHNut64.1MDX2001–20065x114.3 mm12mm x 1.5 RHNut64.1

Buick

ModelYear RangeBolt PatternLug Thread SizeLug TypeCenter Bore (mm)Century HD1986–19895x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3Century1990–20055x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3Electra1985–19895x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3LaCrosse2005–20125x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3LeSabre1986–20055x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3Lucerne2006+5x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3Park Avenue1985–19965x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3Park Avenue Ultra1985–20055x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3

Cadillac

ModelYear RangeBolt PatternLug Thread SizeLug TypeCenter Bore (mm)Allante1987–19935x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3Brougham FWD1985+5x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3DeVille1985+5x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3CTS2003–20075x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3DTS2006+5x115 mm12mm x 1.5Nut70.3

At SpacerHub, we recommend the following torque settings for properly securing all our lug nuts during installation:

• 70 ft-lbs for 7/16" lug nuts or studs

• 80 ft-lbs for 12mm lug nuts or studs

• 85 ft-lbs for 1/2" lug nuts or studs

• 95 ft-lbs for 14mm lug nuts or studs

• 130 ft-lbs for 9/16" lug nuts or studs

For the black Allen head bolts used to fasten our 2-piece adapters, we advise tightening them to between 50 and 55 ft-lbs.

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