How to Measure Your Bolt Pattern Before Ordering Wheel Adapters

Before ordering wheel adapters, you need to know your bolt pattern.

Your bolt pattern tells you how many lugs your vehicle has and the diameter of the circle those lugs create. If the bolt pattern is wrong, the adapter will not fit.

This is one of the most important steps before buying wheel adapters.

What Is a Bolt Pattern?

A bolt pattern is usually written like this:

• 5x4.5
• 5x5
• 6x5.5
• 6x135
• 8x6.5
• 8x170

The first number is the number of lugs. The second number is the diameter of the bolt circle.

For example, 5x4.5 means the hub or wheel has 5 lugs with a 4.5-inch bolt circle.

If you need help comparing inch and metric sizes, use the Conversion Chart.

Why Bolt Pattern Matters

Wheel adapters connect one bolt pattern to another.

For example:

Vehicle bolt pattern: 5x4.5
Wheel bolt pattern: 5x5
Adapter needed: 5x4.5 to 5x5

The vehicle side and wheel side matter. If you reverse them, the adapter will not work.

Measuring 4-Lug Bolt Patterns

For a 4-lug pattern, measure from the center of one lug hole directly across to the center of the opposite lug hole.

This is one of the easiest bolt patterns to measure because the lugs sit directly across from each other.

Measuring 5-Lug Bolt Patterns

A 5-lug pattern is more difficult because there is no lug directly across.

For most 5-lug patterns, measure from the center of one lug hole to the outside edge of the lug hole across from it.

Common 5-lug patterns include:

• 5x4.5
• 5x4.75
• 5x5
• 5x5.5
• 5x135
• 5x150

Always double-check 5-lug patterns before ordering.

Measuring 6-Lug Bolt Patterns

For 6-lug patterns, measure from the center of one lug hole directly across to the center of the opposite lug hole.

Common 6-lug patterns include:

• 6x5.5
• 6x135
• 6x120
• 6x127

Many trucks and SUVs use 6-lug patterns, but they are not all the same.

Measuring 8-Lug Bolt Patterns

For 8-lug patterns, measure from the center of one lug hole directly across to the center of the opposite lug hole.

Common 8-lug patterns include:

• 8x6.5
• 8x170
• 8x180

These are common on heavy-duty trucks.

Other Measurements You Need

Bolt pattern is only one part of the order. You should also confirm:

• Hub bore
• Wheel center bore
• Stud size
• Thread pitch
• Adapter thickness
• Vehicle year, make, and model
• Wheel specs if available

Use the How To Select guide and Fitment Guide before ordering.

Need Help?

If you are not completely sure about your bolt pattern, do not guess. Check the Conversion Chart, review the Fitment Guide, or browse our wheel adapters once your measurements are confirmed.