The quickest way to find your bolt pattern

Your rim's bolt pattern is the number and spacing of the holes that bolt your wheel to the hub. You need this number to buy replacement rims or wheels that will actually fit your vehicle. The fastest way to find it is to look at your owner's manual or the placard on your driver's side door jamb — both list it as a straightforward number like 5x114.3 or 6x139.7.

If those documents aren't available, you can measure the bolt pattern yourself in about ten minutes with just a ruler or tape measure. The measurement has two parts: the number of bolts (which you can count by looking at your wheel) and the distance between them (which you measure across the holes).

You do not need to remove the wheel to find this information. Everything you need is visible from outside the vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Your owner's manual and the door jamb placard both list your bolt pattern as a standard measurement like 5x114.3.
  • If you measure it yourself, you count the bolt holes and measure the distance between them — the number is always written as hole count times distance in millimeters.
  • For odd-numbered bolt patterns (3, 5, 7 bolts), you measure from the center of one hole to the center of the hole directly across from it.
  • For even-numbered bolt patterns (4, 6, 8 bolts), you measure from the center of one hole to the center of the hole two positions over, then divide by the sine of the angle between them.
  • Tire shops and wheel retailers can measure your bolt pattern for you if you bring the vehicle or a wheel.

Check your owner's manual first

Open your vehicle's owner's manual and search for "bolt pattern," "wheel specifications," or "tire and wheel." The manual will list it as a number like 5x120 or 6x135. The first number is how many bolts hold the wheel on. The second number is the distance in millimeters between the bolt holes.

If you don't have a physical manual, you can find it online. Search your vehicle's year, make, and model plus "owner's manual PDF" and you'll usually find it free on the manufacturer's website or through sites like ManualsLib.

Check the door jamb placard

Open your driver's side door and look at the frame where the door closes. You'll see a white or silver label with tire pressure, load capacity, and other specifications. This placard often includes the bolt pattern, though not always — it depends on the manufacturer.

The placard is usually easier to read than digging through a manual, so check it first if you can access it easily. Take a photo of it with your phone so you have the information saved.

Measure the bolt pattern yourself

If you can't find the information in your manual or on the door placard, you can measure it with a ruler or tape measure. Start by counting the bolts on your wheel — this is the first number in your bolt pattern. Most vehicles have 4, 5, 6, or 8 bolts.

The second number is the distance between the bolts, measured in millimeters. How you measure depends on whether you have an odd or even number of bolts.

For odd-numbered bolt patterns (3, 5, or 7 bolts): Measure from the center of one bolt hole straight across to the center of the hole directly opposite it. That measurement is your bolt pattern distance. For example, if you have 5 bolts and measure 114.3 millimeters across, your pattern is 5x114.3.

For even-numbered bolt patterns (4, 6, or 8 bolts): Measure from the center of one bolt hole to the center of the hole two positions over (skipping one hole). Then divide that measurement by 1.414 (for 4-bolt patterns), 1.155 (for 6-bolt patterns), or 1.082 (for 8-bolt patterns). The result is your bolt pattern distance.

If the math feels complicated, skip this step and use one of the other methods instead. A tire shop can measure it for you in seconds.

Use a bolt pattern gauge or template

Bolt pattern gauges are plastic or metal templates that fit over your wheel and show you the pattern when ready. They cost between $10 and $30 and are available at tire shops, online retailers, and some auto parts stores. If you plan to buy multiple sets of wheels or rims over time, one of these pays for itself quickly.

To use a gauge, you straightforward line it up with your bolt holes and read the pattern printed on the template. No math required. Some gauges cover multiple patterns, so you can check several at once.

Ask a tire shop or wheel retailer

Any tire shop or wheel retailer can tell you your bolt pattern in under a minute. Bring your vehicle or a single wheel, and they'll measure it or look it up in their system based on your vehicle's year, make, and model. Many shops offer this service for free, especially if you're considering buying wheels from them.

This is the easiest option if you're not comfortable measuring yourself or if you want to confirm a measurement you've already taken. It also gives you a chance to ask about wheel options while you're there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the number after the "x" mean?

The number after the "x" is the distance in millimeters between the bolt holes. It's measured differently depending on whether you have an odd or even number of bolts, but the result is always given in millimeters. Common distances are 100, 114.3, 120, 139.7, and 150 millimeters.

Can I use a wheel from a different vehicle if it has the same bolt pattern?

Having the same bolt pattern is necessary but not enough. The wheel also has to match your vehicle's offset, diameter, and width. A wheel that bolts on but has the wrong offset or diameter can damage your suspension or rub against your fender. Check with a tire shop before using wheels from a different vehicle.

What if I measure my bolt pattern and get a number that doesn't match any standard pattern?

You likely made a measurement error. Remeasure from the exact center of each bolt hole, and make sure you're measuring in millimeters, not inches. If you get the same number twice, take a wheel to a tire shop and have them confirm it. Non-standard patterns are extremely rare on modern vehicles.

Do I need to remove my wheel to find the bolt pattern?

No. You can see and measure the bolt holes from outside the vehicle without removing the wheel. The only reason to remove it is if you want to use a bolt pattern gauge or if you're having trouble seeing the holes clearly.

Is the bolt pattern the same on all four wheels of my vehicle?

Yes. All four wheels on your vehicle have the same bolt pattern. If you find the pattern on one wheel, you know it for all of them.