Wheel Fitment Guide: Offset, Width, and Sizing Explained

Everything you need to know about wheel fitment. Calculate offset, width, and tire sizing for your car.

technical general

Wheel fitment is both an art and a science. Getting it right means aggressive looks without rubbing, while getting it wrong means damaged fenders and compromised handling.\n\nThis guide explains the key measurements and how they work together.

Key Measurements\n\n### Wheel Diameter\n\nMeasured in inches (15", 17", 18", etc.). Larger diameter allows bigger brakes but increases unsprung weight and ride harshness.\n\n### Wheel Width\n\nMeasured in inches. Determines tire width range. A 9" wide wheel typically fits 245-275mm tires.\n\n### Offset\n\nDistance from wheel centerline to mounting surface, measured in mm.\n- Positive offset: Wheel sits further inboard (stock on most FWD)\n- Zero offset: Mounting surface at centerline\n- Negative offset: Wheel sits further outboard (aggressive fitment)\n\n### Bolt Pattern\n\nNumber of bolts x diameter of bolt circle (e.g., 5x114.3, 5x120).\n\n### Hub Bore\n\nCenter hole diameter. Must match or use hub-centric rings.\n\n## Fitment Styles\n\n### Flush\n\nWheel face aligns with fender edge. Clean look, minimal modifications needed.\n\n### Poke\n\nWheel extends past fender. Requires fender rolling or pulling.\n\n### Tucked\n\nWheel sits well inside fender. Common on bagged cars.\n\n## Calculating Fitment\n\nNew offset = Stock offset - (New width - Stock width) / 2\n\nExample: Stock 8" ET+45, upgrading to 9.5" wheel:\nNew offset = 45 - (9.5 - 8) / 2 * 25.4 = +26mm for same inner clearance

Final Thoughts

Fitment requires measuring your specific car and understanding how changes affect clearance. When in doubt, use a fitment calculator and check with others running similar setups.

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