Bolt Pattern Calculator: The Complete Guide to PCD, Measurement, and Wheel Fitment
The bolt pattern (also called lug pattern or PCD) is one of the most critical measurements for wheel fitment. If the bolt pattern doesn't match, the wheel simply won't mount on your vehicle — or worse, it'll mount incorrectly and create a serious safety hazard. This guide explains how to measure, calculate, and verify bolt patterns for any vehicle.
The PCD Formula
PCD from adjacent bolt measurement:
PCD = Adjacent Distance ÷ sin(180° ÷ Number of Bolts)
4-lug: PCD = Adjacent × 1.4142 (÷ sin 45°)
5-lug: PCD = Adjacent × 1.7013 (÷ sin 36°)
6-lug: PCD = Adjacent × 2.0000 (÷ sin 30°)
8-lug: PCD = Adjacent × 2.6131 (÷ sin 22.5°)
Conversion: mm ÷ 25.4 = inches | inches × 25.4 = mm
Worked Example — 5-Lug Pattern
Measured distance between adjacent bolt centers: 67.26 mm
PCD = 67.26 ÷ sin(180° ÷ 5)
PCD = 67.26 ÷ sin(36°)
PCD = 67.26 ÷ 0.5878
PCD =
114.38 mm ≈ 114.3 mmPattern:
5×114.3 mm (5×4.5")Compatible: Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Hyundai, Nissan, and many more
Common Bolt Patterns Reference
| Pattern | Metric | Imperial | Vehicles |
|---|
| 4×100 | 4×100mm | 4×3.94" | Honda Fit, Mazda Miata, VW Polo, Mini |
| 5×100 | 5×100mm | 5×3.94" | Subaru (older), VW Golf/Jetta, Toyota 86 |
| 5×112 | 5×112mm | 5×4.41" | VW, Audi, Mercedes (newer), Porsche |
| 5×114.3 | 5×114.3mm | 5×4.5" | Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Ford |
| 5×120 | 5×120mm | 5×4.72" | BMW, Tesla Model 3, Honda Pilot |
| 6×139.7 | 6×139.7mm | 6×5.5" | Toyota trucks, GM trucks, Nissan trucks |
| 6×135 | 6×135mm | 6×5.31" | Ford F-150 (2004+), Lincoln |
| 8×165.1 | 8×165.1mm | 8×6.5" | GM 2500/3500 HD, Dodge RAM 2500 |
Pro Tip — Always Check Center Bore
Even if the bolt pattern matches, the center bore (hub bore) must also be compatible. The wheel's center bore must be equal to or larger than the hub diameter. If the wheel bore is larger, use hub-centric rings to fill the gap — this ensures the wheel is centered by the hub, not by the lug nuts. Lug-centric mounting (without rings) puts stress on the studs and can cause vibration at speed.
Critical — Bolt Pattern Must Match Exactly
Never force a wheel onto a mismatched bolt pattern. Even a 1mm PCD difference means bolt holes won't align properly, causing uneven lug nut seating, stud stress, and potential wheel separation at speed. Do not use elongated lug nuts or "wobble bolts" as a permanent solution — these are unsafe for street use. If you want wheels with a different bolt pattern, use proper hub-centric bolt-on adapters from a reputable manufacturer.