What is Lug Pattern? | Revv.ly Glossary

What is a Lug Pattern?

Bolt pattern, lug pattern, PCD--these terms all describe the same thing: the circular arrangement of bolt holes that allows a wheel to mount to a vehicle's hub. It's a fundamental specification, and if it doesn't match, the wheel simply won't fit. There's no "close enough."
Lug pattern is expressed as two numbers: the count of lugs and the diameter of the imaginary circle passing through their centers. A 5x114.3 pattern means 5 lugs arranged on a circle 114.3mm in diameter. This is sometimes also expressed as 5x4.5 (inches) in the American market--same pattern, different units.

Common Patterns

Different manufacturers standardized on different patterns, though there's been some convergence recently:
5x114.3 (5x4.5") -- The most common pattern worldwide. Honda, Toyota (many models), Nissan, Mazda, Ford (many), Lexus, Acura. Its prevalence makes aftermarket wheel selection enormous.
5x120 -- BMW's traditional pattern. Also used by some GM vehicles, Land Rover, and others.
5x112 -- VAG (Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Mercedes, Bentley). Extremely common in the European market.
4x100 -- Many older four-lug vehicles: 1990s Honda Civics, early Miatas, various VW models. Still popular in the stance and classic communities.
5x100 -- Subaru, some Toyota/Scion, older VW models. Another common pattern.

Dual-Pattern Wheels

Some aftermarket wheels feature two sets of bolt holes, fitting two patterns on one wheel. Common combinations include 5x114.3/5x100 or 5x120/5x112. These expand compatibility but add complexity--ensure the correct holes align with your hubs.

Measuring Bolt Pattern

Measuring bolt pattern requires precision:
For Even Numbers (4, 6, 8 lug): Measure center-to-center from one bolt hole to the one directly opposite.
For Odd Numbers (5 lug): Measure from the center of one bolt hole to the center of the hole two positions away, then multiply by the appropriate factor (for 5-lug, measure and use bolt pattern calculators or reference charts).
Or, more practically, look up your vehicle's specifications. Every enthusiast forum and fitment database lists bolt patterns for common vehicles.

Why It Can't Be Faked

Unlike offset or width, bolt pattern is binary--it fits or it doesn't. The precision required means even small mismatches fail. A 5x114.3 wheel won't mount to a 5x112 hub regardless of how hard you try. The lug studs simply won't align with the holes.
Wheel Adapters exist that convert one pattern to another. They bolt to your hub with one pattern and present a different pattern for the wheel. These add unsprung weight, change offset, and create an additional failure point. Quality adapters from reputable manufacturers can work for specific applications; cheap adapters are genuinely dangerous.

Choosing Wheels

When shopping for aftermarket wheels:

1. Confirm your vehicle's bolt pattern before browsing
2. Filter wheel options by this specification
3. Note whether wheels are offered in your pattern or require adapters
4. Verify center bore compatibility (hub-centric or requiring rings)
   The Revvly community includes extensive fitment databases and real-world verification of what fits what.
   Related: Offset, Hub-Centric, Backspacing
   Bolt Pattern Examples: Honda 5x114.3, BMW 5x120, Audi 5x112, Subaru 5x100