What is the lug pattern for a 5 lug?
A 5-lug wheel design means there are five studs arranged on a circle, but the exact pattern is defined by the bolt circle diameter (BCD). There isn’t a single number for “5 lug”—common patterns include 5x100, 5x108, 5x112, 5x114.3, and 5x120.65 mm (approximately 3.94" to 4.75").
This article explains what lug patterns are, how they’re measured, and how to determine the correct specification for wheels, rotors, and adapters. It covers the meaning of a 5-lug setup, typical bolt-circle sizes, and practical steps to identify your vehicle’s exact pattern.
Understanding 5-lug bolt patterns
In a 5-lug configuration, five lug holes are evenly spaced around a circle. The key specification is the bolt circle diameter (BCD): the distance across the circle that passes through the centers of opposite lug holes. The number “5” stays constant, but the BCD varies by vehicle and wheel design.
- 5x100 mm (5 on 100 mm circle) — about 3.94 inches
- 5x108 mm (5 on 108 mm circle) — about 4.25 inches
- 5x112 mm (5 on 112 mm circle) — about 4.41 inches
- 5x114.3 mm (5 on 114.3 mm circle) — about 4.50 inches
- 5x120.65 mm (BMW standard, 5 on 120.65 mm circle) — about 4.75 inches
The list above highlights the typical 5-lug bolt-circle sizes you’re most likely to encounter. Vehicle designers choose a BCD based on hub design, caliper clearance, and overall suspension geometry, so matching the exact pattern is essential for safety and performance.
How to identify your lug pattern
To determine the precise 5-lug pattern for your vehicle, follow these practical steps. Knowing the exact pattern is crucial when buying wheels, rotors, or adapters to ensure proper fitment.
- Measure the bolt circle diameter by locating the centers of opposite lug holes and measuring the distance across the circle. If you can’t measure directly, measure from the center of one lug hole to the center of the opposite lug hole and convert to millimeters or inches.
- Count the number of lug holes on the hub. For a 5-lug setup, you should count five evenly spaced holes.
- Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s specifications, or check the door jamb placard for wheel and bolt-pattern details.
- When shopping, read the product specs on wheels or adapters, which typically list both the lug count and the bolt-circle diameter.
If you’re unsure after measuring, seek advice from a tire shop or dealership to confirm the exact pattern before making purchases. A mismatched pattern can lead to unsafe fitment or damage to wheels and hubs.
Practical examples and caveats
While a 5-lug pattern is a common baseline, many vehicles across brands use different bolt-circle sizes. Some wheels are designed specifically for a particular BCD, and others may require adapters or hub-centric rings to ensure proper alignment and seating. Always verify both lug count and bolt-circle diameter, and consider hub-centric fit where applicable to maintain balanced rotation and proper seating.
Bottom line: the term “5 lug” encompasses several possible bolt-circle sizes. The safest approach is to confirm the exact BCD for your vehicle and the wheels you intend to install, rather than assuming a universal pattern.
Summary
A 5-lug pattern is defined by five lug holes arranged on a bolt-circle diameter, not by a single value. Common bolt-circle sizes include 100, 108, 112, 114.3, and 120.65 mm (roughly 3.94" to 4.75"). To ensure compatibility, identify the exact lug count and bolt-circle diameter for your vehicle—measure carefully, consult manuals or specs, and verify with a wheel professional if needed.
