What Is a Bolt Pattern? Lug Count, PCD & Wheel Fitment Explained
What is a bolt pattern? A wheel bolt pattern describes the number of wheel mounting points and the diameter of the imaginary circle that passes through those mounting points. It is one of the main specifications used to determine whether a wheel can mount to a vehicle hub.
Bolt patterns are commonly written in a format such as 5×114.3, 6×139.7, or 4×100. The first number tells you how many mounting points the wheel uses, while the second number is the diameter of the bolt circle, usually called the PCD.
Example: What Does 5×114.3 Mean?
A 5×114.3 bolt pattern means:
- 5 = five wheel studs, bolts, or mounting holes
- 114.3 = a 114.3 mm pitch circle diameter
This pattern is also commonly described as approximately 5×4.5 inches.
What Does Bolt Pattern Mean?
The bolt pattern identifies the layout of the mounting points used to attach a wheel to the vehicle hub.
Two pieces of information make up the basic pattern:
- Lug count — the number of wheel studs, bolts, or mounting holes
- PCD — the diameter of the imaginary circle through the centers of those mounting points
Both values matter. A wheel with five mounting holes does not necessarily fit every five-lug vehicle because different vehicles can use different PCD measurements.
What Is PCD on a Wheel?
PCD stands for pitch circle diameter. It is the diameter of the imaginary circle formed by the wheel’s mounting points.
For example:
- 4×100 uses a 100 mm PCD
- 5×114.3 uses a 114.3 mm PCD
- 5×120 uses a 120 mm PCD
- 6×139.7 uses a 139.7 mm PCD
The PCD is a critical part of wheel fitment because the wheel’s mounting pattern must match the vehicle hub pattern unless a properly engineered conversion system is being used.
How Are Wheel Bolt Patterns Written?
Wheel bolt patterns are usually written as:
Lug Count × PCD
| Bolt Pattern | Lug Count | PCD |
|---|---|---|
| 4×100 | 4 | 100 mm |
| 5×114.3 | 5 | 114.3 mm |
| 5×120 | 5 | 120 mm |
| 5×127 | 5 | 127 mm |
| 6×135 | 6 | 135 mm |
| 6×139.7 | 6 | 139.7 mm |
Bolt Pattern vs Lug Pattern
The terms bolt pattern and lug pattern are commonly used to describe the same basic specification: the number and spacing of the wheel mounting points.
You may also see terms such as:
- wheel bolt pattern
- lug pattern
- lug spacing
- PCD
- bolt circle
Technically, PCD refers specifically to the diameter of the bolt circle, while the complete bolt pattern includes both the lug count and PCD.
Metric vs Inch Bolt Patterns
Bolt patterns may be listed in millimeters or inches. Some patterns therefore have two commonly used forms of notation.
| Metric Pattern | Common Inch Notation |
|---|---|
| 5×114.3 | Approximately 5×4.5 |
| 5×127 | 5×5 |
| 6×139.7 | Approximately 6×5.5 |
| 5×120.65 | 5×4.75 |
When checking wheel compatibility, use the exact specification whenever possible rather than assuming that two similar-looking measurements are interchangeable.
Why Bolt Pattern Matters for Wheel Fitment
The bolt pattern determines whether the wheel’s mounting holes align with the vehicle’s studs or wheel-bolt locations.
If the pattern does not match, the wheel cannot be mounted correctly without an appropriate engineered solution.
However, a matching bolt pattern is only the beginning of a wheel-fitment check.
Does the Same Bolt Pattern Mean the Wheel Will Fit?
No. Two vehicles can use the same bolt pattern while requiring very different wheels.
Other wheel specifications that can affect compatibility include:
- center bore
- wheel diameter
- wheel width
- wheel offset
- backspacing
- brake clearance
- suspension clearance
- load rating
- lug nut or wheel-bolt specifications
- tire size
For a complete overview of these measurements, see our Wheel Fitment & Wheel Specifications page.
Can Vehicles With the Same Bolt Pattern Share Wheels?
Not necessarily. Sharing the same bolt pattern only confirms that the basic mounting-hole arrangement is compatible.
The wheels may still differ in:
- center-bore diameter
- offset
- width
- diameter
- load capacity
- brake clearance
- mounting hardware
Always check the complete vehicle and wheel specifications before assuming wheels are interchangeable between vehicles.
Common Bolt Patterns
Common passenger-car, SUV, and truck bolt patterns include:
The correct pattern depends on the exact vehicle, model year, trim, market, and configuration.
How Do You Measure a Bolt Pattern?
The measurement method depends on the number of mounting points.
Even-number patterns such as 4-, 6-, and 8-lug wheels can generally be measured directly across opposite mounting points. Five-lug patterns require a different method because there is no mounting point directly opposite another.
See our full guide on how to measure a bolt pattern for step-by-step instructions.
How to Find Your Vehicle’s Bolt Pattern
If you know your vehicle’s year, make, model, and trim, checking reliable vehicle-specific fitment information is generally better than estimating the pattern manually.
Use our Vehicle Tire & Wheel Fitment section to research available vehicle specifications as the FitmentCompass database expands.
Research Bolt Patterns by Vehicle
Check vehicle-specific tire and wheel fitment by year, make, model, and trim instead of relying on bolt pattern alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bolt pattern?
A bolt pattern describes the number of wheel mounting points and the diameter of the imaginary circle that passes through them. It is commonly written in a format such as 5×114.3.
What does 5×114.3 mean?
5×114.3 means the wheel has five mounting points arranged on a pitch circle with a diameter of 114.3 millimeters. It is also commonly described as approximately 5×4.5 inches.
What is PCD on a wheel?
PCD stands for pitch circle diameter. It is the diameter of the imaginary circle that passes through the centers of the wheel’s mounting points.
Is bolt pattern the same as lug pattern?
The terms bolt pattern and lug pattern are commonly used to describe the same overall wheel-mounting specification. PCD refers specifically to the diameter of the bolt circle.
Does the same bolt pattern mean wheels are interchangeable?
No. Wheels with the same bolt pattern can still differ in center bore, diameter, width, offset, backspacing, brake clearance, load rating, and mounting hardware.
Can I determine wheel fitment from bolt pattern alone?
No. Bolt pattern is only one part of wheel fitment. The vehicle’s center bore, wheel dimensions, offset, brake and suspension clearance, tire size, load requirements, and mounting hardware should also be checked.
Fitment note: Matching the bolt pattern does not by itself confirm that a wheel is compatible with a vehicle. Always verify the exact vehicle configuration and the complete wheel specifications before installation.
