To figure out the PCD, or wheel bolt pattern, count the lug holes and measure the distance between two studs.
The measurement technique differs based on whether the wheel has odd- or even-numbered holes; however, here is where most mistakes occur.
As a fastener manufacturer since 1996, we understand that measurement inaccuracies can lead to safety concerns, lost time, and financial losses.
Continue reading to learn about particular techniques, sample calculations, and more, helping you to accurately measure wheel bolt patterns and order the right item every time.
Understanding Wheel Stud Pattern and Fitment
A wheel stud pattern indicates the number of wheel lug holes and how they are placed around the hub, which is critical for wheel installation.
This is specified by two numbers:
- The number of bolt or stud holes
- the diameter of that stud hole’s circle
Incorrect calculations can affect vehicle performance, including the following:
- Loosen bolts
- Weaken steering accuracy
- Unbalanced, accelerated tire wear
- Potential for the wheel to be detached during driving
- Wheels are misaligned with the hub, causing vibration and an uneven distribution of stress and weight.
Hence, it is crucial to double-check your automobile’s specs provided by the manufacturer or OEM for safety.
Tricky But Important Question: Is PCD the same as bolt pattern?
Yes, PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter) is the same as wheel bolt pattern, while the former is the more technical word.
The first number in PCD refers to the number of bolt holes in a wheel hub, while the second value represents the distance between two points on a circle placed on the wheel’s stud holes.
For example, a 5 x 114.3 implies that it contains 5 bolts and a PCD of 114.3 mm.
How to Measure PCD: Step-by-Step
Preparation
- To ensure accuracy, use vernier or digital calipers with a minimum measurement of 0.02 or 0.01 mm.
- Calipers prevent errors, but rulers are effective only for general measures.
- Cleaning the wheel hub or rim will allow you to easily get to the stud centers and properly check the wheel stud pattern.
Count the Lug Holes
Count the number of lug holes on your wheel’s hub.
This is the first number in your wheel bolt pattern, like 4, 5, 6, and 8.
Measure the Bolt Circle Diameter
Measuring the bolt circle diameter accurately depends on the number of lug or bolt holes you counted earlier.
Here are the common examples of the number of bolt holes and how you can measure the bolt circle diameter.
For Even-Numbered Bolt Patterns (4, 6, 8)
Just count the lug holes and measure the stud center to the stud at the opposite side across from it; no complex calculations are usually needed.
When the wheel’s center is blocked, you can figure out the PCD by measuring two studs next to each other.
Here are some common examples of the number of bolt holes and how to estimate the bolt circle diameter.
| Number of Bolts | Formula |
| 4 | stud-to-stud / 0.7071 |
| 6 | stud-to-stud / 0.5 |
| 8 | Stud to stud / 2.613 |
For example, if you have a 4-stud wheel hub and you measure between the two studs’ centers at 70.7 mm, then you will divide it by 0.7071 to get.
Hence, you will get 99.98 mm; this is a 4×100 mm pattern, which is common in Toyota and other automobiles.
For odd or 5-lug patterns (e.g., 5 112 bolt pattern and 5 114.3 bolt pattern)
To make a more accurate computation for an odd-numbered bolt pattern, use the “adjacent centers” method.
Measure the distance from the center of one stud to the stud’s center of the stud directly next to it, and multiply this measurement by a specific value to find the true diameter.
So, for a 5-wheel bolt pattern, select one hole and measure it from the center to the center of the other stud hole next to it before multiplying by 1.701.
But, if it is a 3-stud, multiply the number by 1.154.
Here are some calculations using the formula “S x 1.701”:
5×112 wheel stud pattern (common in many European vehicles like Volkswagen)
- Count the lug holes first, which will be 5.
- Then measure the distance between the hole’s center and the center of the stud hole next to it, which will be 65.9 mm.
- Multiply it by 1.701 to get a 112 mm diameter.
5×114.3 wheel stud pattern (common on many Japanese and Korean vehicle brands, such as Honda)
- To figure out the PCD, use the same method: first, determine the number of lug holes.
- In our case, it will be 5 again, and we will measure the distance from the hole’s middle to the center of the next stud hole, which will be 67.18 mm.
- Multiply it by 1.701 to get 114.27 mm, which is equal to the standard 114.3 mm PCD.
How Does CNXD Help With PCD and Wheel Fitment?
As previously stated, mismatched tire bolt patterns may result in several kinds of problems, like vibrations, poor handling, and wheel separation.
Built on the expertise of CNRL and Xuanda, CNXD supports partners to verify vehicle PCD for any model, whether a Honda or a Toyota, to fulfill safety and performance regulations.
To prevent costly mistakes or uncertainty caused by technical terms, our fitting recommendations will assist our partners in precisely calculating PCD and selecting the appropriate fasteners for safe wheel installation.
Our team of experts will ensure you get fasteners that fit your specific wheel specification, like a 5×112 bolt pattern, 5×114.3 tire bolt pattern, or others.
Contact us now or get our extensive product catalog, which contains lug bolts and nuts designed for a variety of wheel bolt patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do bolt patterns have to be exact?
Yes, bolt patterns must be exact because tiny variations, such as 4×100 and 4×114.3, lead to incorrect fitment and risks like vibrations or wheel detachment.
2. What vehicles fit the 6×139.7 bolt pattern?
The 6×139.7 bolt pattern is usually found on trucks, SUVs, and various vehicle brands, including Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and GMC.
3. What are the benefits of different bolt patterns?
The advantages of different bolt patterns match the vehicle’s specific needs for safety, strength, and load distribution. In larger vehicles, five or six lugs evenly share weight and fastening torque, whereas four lugs are more lightweight.
