Choosing the right wheel spacers isn’t just about getting the perfect stance — it’s about making sure everything fits safely and correctly. And one of the most important details you need to understand before buying spacers is bolt pattern.
Get it right, and installation is smooth and secure. Get it wrong, and the spacers won’t fit your hubs or wheels at all.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about bolt patterns, how to measure them, and how to choose the correct type for your vehicle.
What Is a Wheel Spacer Bolt Pattern?
A bolt pattern (also known as a PCD, or Pitch Circle Diameter) describes:
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How many wheel bolts or studs your vehicle has, and
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The diameter of the circle they sit on.
Bolt patterns ensure that wheel spacers align perfectly with both the vehicle hub and the wheels.
They are typically written in this format:
Example:
5x112
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5 = number of bolts
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112 = diameter of the bolt circle in millimetres
So a “5x112” spacer fits a hub with five bolts arranged on a 112 mm circle.
Common Wheel Spacer Bolt Patterns
Different manufacturers use specific bolt patterns. Here are some of the most common:
4-Lug Patterns
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4x98 – Fiat, Alfa Romeo
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4x100 – Honda, Mazda, VW (older models), Toyota
5-Lug Patterns
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5x100 – Subaru, Toyota
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5x112 – Audi, Mercedes, VW
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5x114.3 – Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Ford
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5x120 – BMW
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5x130 – Porsche
6-Lug Patterns
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6x139.7 – Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger
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6x135 – Ford F-Series (older models)
Different regions may favour different patterns, so always double-check compatibility.
How to Measure a Bolt Pattern (PCD)
If you're unsure of your vehicle’s bolt pattern, you can measure it yourself.
For 4-, 6-, or 8-lug hubs:
Measure from the centre of one stud to the centre of the stud directly opposite.
For 5-lug hubs:
Because no studs sit directly opposite, measure:
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From the centre of one stud
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To the outer edge of the stud two spaces away
This measurement gives you the bolt circle diameter.
Quick Tools That Make It Easier
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Bolt pattern gauge
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Digital caliper
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Manufacturer’s manual
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Online fitment guides
Hub-Side vs. Wheel-Side Bolt Patterns
Many wheel spacers are uniform — the hub side and wheel side share the same bolt pattern.
However, some spacers (especially adapter spacers) use different patterns:
Example:
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Hub side: 5x112
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Wheel side: 5x120
These allow you to fit wheels with a completely different bolt pattern to your car.
They’re useful for show cars and custom builds, but must be high-quality and installed properly.
Bolt Pattern and Centre Bore: Why Both Matter
Bolt pattern alone isn’t enough. You must also match the centre bore — the size of the hole in the centre of the wheel or spacer.
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If the bore is too small, the wheel or spacer won’t fit the hub.
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If it’s too large, the fit may rely only on the bolts, which can cause vibration.
That’s why hub-centric spacers are recommended:
They match the hub bore precisely and help the wheel seat correctly.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Bolt Pattern?
Using incorrect bolt pattern spacers can lead to:
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Wheels that don’t fit or seat properly
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Vibrations at any speed
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Premature wear on wheel bolts, hubs, and bearings
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Dangerous wheel looseness
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Complete wheel separation in extreme cases
Always double-check PCD before buying.
How to Choose the Right Bolt Pattern Wheel Spacers
Follow these steps for a safe and correct fit:
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Check your vehicle’s bolt pattern (PCD).
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Confirm the centre bore requirement.
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Check the thread size (e.g., M12x1.5, M14x1.5).
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Choose the correct spacer type (slip-on, bolt-on, or adapters).
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Select a thickness that gives the stance or clearance you want.
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Buy from a trusted supplier to avoid unsafe materials or machining.
If in doubt, use a fitment checker or contact a wheel specialist.
Final Thoughts
Understanding wheel spacer bolt patterns is essential for choosing spacers that fit safely and properly. With the right PCD, centre bore, and spacer type, you’ll enjoy improved stance, better clearance, and trouble-free driving.
Want to find the correct wheel spacers for your vehicle? Simply click here and use our vehicle search tool to find the correct spacers for your wheels.