How to Measure a Rim Bolt Pattern

The bolt pattern of a rim has two key elements: the number of lug nuts that the rim uses and the distance between each lug nut. This information is very important if you plan on buying aftermarket rims for your car. You can measure the rim either with the wheel on or off the car. Always remember that bolt patterns are measured in millimeters and it's best to measure twice to get the correct results. Accuracy is very important since bolt patterns are specific to each car, so a rim with the wrong bolt pattern will not fit on your car.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Measure the distance between the middle of any lug nut and the middle of the lug nut directly opposite of it for wheels with an even number of lug nuts.

2. Measure the distance between the outside of any lug nut and the middle of the third consecutive lug nut for wheels with an odd number of lug nuts.

3. Write down the results of your measurements. Bolt patterns are written as lug nuts times the distance between lug nuts. For a wheel with six lug nuts that are spaced 137 mm apart the equation would be: 6 x 137 mm.

References

• Stylin' Trucks: Bolt Pattern Measurement 101
• American Racing Wheels Info: How to measure a wheel bolt pattern