Bolt Pattern / PCD Calculator
Calculate bolt pattern (PCD) from lug count and bolt-to-bolt measurement. Identify your wheel bolt pattern for 4, 5, 6, and 8 lug wheels.
For 5-lug: 'across' is from one bolt center to the midpoint between the two opposite bolts.
Measure center-to-center of the bolt holes.
What Is a Bolt Pattern (PCD)?
A wheel bolt pattern, or Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD), describes the number of lug bolts and the diameter of the circle they sit on. A pattern like “5×114.3” means 5 bolts on a 114.3 mm diameter circle. Getting this right is essential when buying new wheels — the wrong pattern simply won't fit.
How to Measure
Even-lug wheels (4, 6, 8): Measure the distance between the centers of two directly opposite bolt holes. This measurement is the PCD.
5-lug wheels: Since no two bolts are directly opposite, measure from the center of one bolt to the center of the bolt two positions away (skipping one). Then the calculator uses trigonometry to determine the PCD.
Alternatively, for any lug count, you can measure the distance between two adjacent (neighboring) bolt centers and the calculator will compute the PCD from that.
The Math
For adjacent bolt measurement:
PCD = adjacent distance / sin(π / number of lugs)
For 5-lug across measurement (bolt to midpoint of opposite two):
PCD = across distance / cos(π / (2 × number of lugs))
Tips
- Use a caliper for the most accurate measurement — even 1 mm off can result in a wrong match.
- Measure center-to-center of the bolt holes, not edge-to-edge.
- Common patterns that are close (e.g., 5×112 vs 5×114.3) are not interchangeable — forcing the wrong pattern will damage the studs and hub.
- Hub bore (center hole diameter) also matters for proper fitment, in addition to bolt pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my bolt pattern?
For even-lug wheels (4, 6, 8), measure the distance between the centers of two directly opposite bolts. That measurement is the PCD. For 5-lug wheels, measure from the center of one bolt to the center of the bolt two positions away (not adjacent), then multiply by 1.0515 to get the PCD.
What does PCD stand for?
PCD stands for Pitch Circle Diameter — the diameter of the imaginary circle that passes through the center of all the lug bolt holes. A bolt pattern of 5×114.3 means 5 bolts on a circle with a 114.3 mm diameter. PCD is also commonly referred to as bolt circle diameter (BCD).
Can I use wheel adapters to change my bolt pattern?
Yes, bolt pattern adapters (also called wheel adapters or spacers) can convert one bolt pattern to another. However, they add width to the assembly, may affect wheel bearing load, and must be hub-centric and high quality to be safe. Many racing organizations prohibit them. For daily driving, ensure they are forged aluminum and properly torqued.
What are the most common bolt patterns?
The most common patterns are 5×114.3 (Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai), 5×112 (VW, Audi, Mercedes), 5×120 (BMW, newer Chevy), 5×100 (Subaru, VW Golf IV), 6×139.7 (Toyota Tacoma, Chevy 1500), and 6×135 (Ford F-150). Japanese and American vehicles commonly use 5×114.3, while European vehicles often use 5×112 or 5×120.
Related Articles
How to identify your wheel bolt pattern (PCD), how to measure it with different lug counts, common bolt patterns by make, and what to know about adapters and hub-centric rings.
GeneralWheel Offset and Backspace: A Complete Fitment GuideHow wheel offset and backspace work, how to convert between them, what happens when you change width or offset, and how to avoid rubbing and clearance issues.
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