How to Measure Bolt Pattern (PCD) — 4, 5, 6 and 8 Lug Guide and Bolt Pattern Chart
Read your wheel’s stud pattern — the pitch circle diameter, or PCD — in seconds, without a tape measure or maths.
Quick Fixes — Read This Before Returning
- “Two sizes look close.” Some patterns are only a few millimetres apart (for example 5×114.3 and 5×115, or 4×98 and 4×100). Make sure the gauge is fitted centrally on the hub — if it sits off-centre the reading at the slot shifts. Look straight down over the slot when you read it.
- “The gauge said it matched, but the wheel doesn’t fit.” The stud pattern is only one of four things that must match. See “What the gauge does not tell you” below.
- “My stud count isn’t on this gauge.” Each gauge covers specific stud counts — see the table below.
Are These the Right Instructions for You?
| Gauge | Stud counts |
|---|---|
| BG48 | 4 and 8 stud |
| BG36 | 3 and 6 stud |
| BG5 | 5 stud (100mm to 130mm) |
The gauge has a slot with a bolt pattern scale beside it. You read the pattern directly against the slot — no measuring or conversion needed.
What Is a Stud Pattern?
A stud pattern is written as number of studs × diameter of the circle they sit on. 5×114.3 means five studs on a 114.3mm circle (the same as 5×4.5"). The wheel pattern and the hub pattern must match exactly.
How To Measure With the Gauge
- Remove the hubcap or centre cap if it covers the studs.
- Fit the gauge centrally on the wheel hub.
- Read the bolt pattern off the scale at the slot. That is your PCD.
Getting the gauge central on the hub is the only thing that matters — an off-centre gauge gives a wrong reading.
Why a Tape Measure Gets It Wrong
- 4, 6 and 8 stud: the PCD is the centre of one stud to the centre of the stud directly opposite. Easy to be a few millimetres out by eye.
- 5 stud (and 3 stud): no stud sits directly opposite another, so you cannot measure centre-to-centre across the circle. Tape-measure methods are approximations and are the most common reason people buy the wrong wheels. The gauge removes the guesswork.
How To Measure a 5 Lug Bolt Pattern Without a Gauge
With five studs, no stud sits directly opposite another, so there is no true centre-to-centre measurement. The usual workaround: measure from the centre of one stud to the outside edge of the stud furthest from it (skip the one next to it). This is an approximation — it is close enough to tell 5×100 from 5×114.3, but not 5×114.3 from 5×115. If you are buying wheels, confirm with a gauge.
Bolt Pattern Chart — Common PCDs
| Metric | Imperial | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4×100 | 4×3.94" | Common on small cars |
| 4×108 | 4×4.25" | |
| 4×114.3 | 4×4.5" | |
| 5×100 | 5×3.94" | Easily confused with 5×98 |
| 5×108 | 5×4.25" | |
| 5×112 | 5×4.41" | |
| 5×114.3 | 5×4.5" | Very common; close to 5×115 |
| 5×120 | 5×4.72" | |
| 5×127 | 5×5" | |
| 6×114.3 | 6×4.5" | |
| 6×139.7 | 6×5.5" | Common on 4WDs and utes |
| 8×165.1 | 8×6.5" | Heavy-duty trucks |
| 8×170 | 8×6.69" | Heavy-duty trucks |
Always confirm your own vehicle — manufacturers change patterns between models and years.
What the Gauge Does Not Tell You
A matching PCD is necessary but not enough. Before buying wheels, also check:
- Centre bore — the hole in the middle of the wheel must fit your hub (or use hub-centric rings).
- Offset — how far the mounting face sits from the wheel centreline. Wrong offset rubs on brakes, suspension or guards.
- Stud or bolt thread — the wheel nuts must match your studs.
Looking After Your Gauge
- Clear PETG with UV-printed markings. Wipe off grease and brake dust with a rag and isopropyl alcohol.
- PETG softens above about 70°C (160°F) — keep it off hot brake rotors and out of a closed car in summer.
When to Email Us
Email sales@clpa.au with your order number and a photo if your tool arrives damaged, you ordered the wrong size, or a printed line looks off-register. We aim to reply within one Brisbane business day — if you are in the USA or UK, remember we are a day ahead.
Returns
Bought from clpa.au? You have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. The item must be unused, in the condition you received it and in its original packaging. Email sales@clpa.au to start a return — items sent back without a return request cannot be accepted. Full details, including your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, are in our Refund Policy.
Bought on Amazon? Amazon’s return policy applies to your order.
More help: Frequently Asked Questions.
We Make What We Sell
Custom Laser Products Australia (CLPA) is a small veteran-owned family business. We design, laser-cut and UV-print every tool on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. We are the manufacturer, not a reseller.
CLPA Customer Support · sales@clpa.au · clpa.au