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. Works on the hub or on the wheel.
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). Seat the gauge flat and centred on all studs at once — the correct size will drop over every stud, the near-miss will not.
- “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) |
Each set of holes on the gauge is labelled with its bolt pattern, in both millimetres and inches, so the reading is the pattern — no 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. On a wheel off the car, lay it face-down.
- Hold the gauge flat against the hub face (or the wheel mounting face).
- Find the row of holes for your stud count and slide the gauge until every stud sits through a hole at the same time.
- Read the size printed beside that set of holes. That is your PCD.
The gauge is clear, so you can see the studs through it while you line it up.
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. We make every tool in-house, so we can usually replace, exchange or quote a custom size faster than a return would take.
Returns and Warranty
Unused items can be returned within 30 days of delivery in original condition — see our Refund Policy. Every CLPA tool carries a 12-month manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Bought on Amazon? Amazon’s return policy applies to your order, and our warranty still covers the tool.
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