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What size are my factory rims?

Your factory rim size is the wheel’s diameter and width as specified by the vehicle manufacturer (for example, 17x7.5J). You can usually read it on the wheel itself, on the vehicle’s data plate, or in the owner’s manual or original window sticker.


Determining the exact rim size is important for fitting tires properly, avoiding clearance issues, and maintaining safety and performance. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide to locate and interpret your factory rim size, plus what the numbers mean and what to do if the information isn’t readily visible.


Where to look for the factory rim size


Use these common sources to locate the official rim size for your vehicle:



  • Door jamb data plate: Look on the driver's side B-pillar or the edge of the door for a sticker that lists wheel size (often shown as "RIM" or "WHEEL") and tire size.

  • Owner’s manual or original window sticker (Monroney): The vehicle’s documentation typically lists the wheel size under tire/wheel specifications.

  • On the wheel itself: Inspect the back side or inside the spokes for a stamping such as 17x7.5J, which denotes diameter, width, and contour type.

  • Spare wheel: The factory donut or full-size spare usually shares the same rim size; check the spare’s label for confirmation.

  • Service records or dealership records: If you kept maintenance papers, they often include wheel sizes for replacements or rotations.


Accurate identification from these sources helps ensure you order tires and wheels that fit precisely without rubbing or clearance problems.


What the numbers mean on a rim


Rim sizes and related specifications are expressed with a few standard measurements. Here is how to read them:



  • Diameter x Width: The common format is something like 17x7.5, where 17 is the wheel diameter in inches and 7.5 is the width in inches. The letter J or another letter indicates the rim contour.

  • Bolt pattern (PCD): Often shown as 5x114.3, meaning 5 lug holes arranged on a 114.3 mm circle. The bolt pattern must match your hub for proper mounting.

  • Offset (ET): The distance from the hub-mount surface to the centerline of the wheel, measured in millimeters. A typical value might be ET35 or ET45. Incorrect offset can affect fitment and handling.

  • Center bore: The hole in the middle of the wheel that fits over the hub. This is usually given in millimeters (e.g., 64.1 mm) and must match your vehicle’s hub size for proper centering.

  • Additional markings: Some wheels also show the load rating, material, and manufacturing codes. These help verify quality and compatibility.


Understanding these numbers helps you compare OEM wheels with aftermarket options and ensures safe, correct fitment for tires and driving performance.


What if you can’t locate the rim size easily?


If the size isn’t readily visible on the vehicle or wheel, try these steps to confirm the factory rim size:



  • Contact the dealership or manufacturer’s customer service with your VIN. They can pull the exact factory specification from the build sheet.

  • Use VIN-based online services or wheel/t tire databases that list original equipment specifications for many makes and models.

  • Check the spare or any replacement wheel you received with the vehicle; sometimes replacements carry the same OEM spec or a clearly marked alternative.

  • Compare the current wheel to a known OEM example: if you have the current wheel, read any stamped markings directly or photograph them for a parts specialist to identify.


If you still can’t verify the size, default to consulting a qualified tire and wheel professional. Using an incorrect rim size can affect braking, suspension, and safety.


Summary


To determine your factory rim size, start with the data plate on the door jamb, the owner’s manual or window sticker, and markings on the wheel itself. Learn the meaning of the size notation (diameter and width, bolt pattern, offset, and center bore) to ensure compatibility with tires and hub assemblies. If you can’t locate the information, contact a dealership or use VIN-based resources to retrieve the exact OEM spec. With the correct rim size, you’ll avoid fitment issues and maintain optimal vehicle performance.

What does 4.80 4.00 8 mean on a tire?


The numbers 4.80/4.00-8 read like this: 4.80" is the tire width, 4.00" is the tire section height (from the inside of the donut hole to the outside) and the 8" is the wheel diameter.



How do I find out my rim size?


You can find your rim size by looking at the tire's sidewall, the sticker on the driver's side door jamb, or the owner's manual. The rim diameter is the last number in the tire size code, which often looks like P215/60 R17, where '17' is the rim diameter in inches. You can also find it stamped on the rim itself, often with the width, like '18x7.5'. 
From the tire or vehicle

  • Read the tire sidewall: Look for a code such as P215/60 R17 or 205/55 R16. The last number in this series is the rim diameter (e.g., 17 or 16). 
  • Check the driver's door jamb: Open the driver's side door and look for a sticker, sometimes called a placard, with vehicle information, including the original equipment tire size. 
  • Consult the owner's manual: The manual contains your vehicle's specifications, including the correct rim size. 
  • Look for the manufacturer's sticker: This sticker, found on the driver's side doorjamb or in the glove box, provides the original equipment (OE) tire size, but it's important to check your current tires or the rim itself if you suspect the wheels have been changed. 

From the rim
  • Inspect the backside of the wheel: The size is often stamped into the metal, usually on the spokes or the backside.
  • Look for the "18x7.5" format: The first number is the diameter in inches, and the second is the width in inches. 



What size are my OEM rims?


To find out the width of your stock wheel, you must look at the back side of the rim itself. Imprinted on a spoke of the OEM wheel is a number, such as 16x7. The “16” refers to the diameter, another way to discover this element, and the “7” refers to the rim's width.



How to tell rim size without a tire?


You can determine a rim's size by looking for stamped numbers, which often include the diameter and width (e.g., "18x7 ½"), or by measuring the diameter and width using a tape measure. To measure, find the diameter by measuring from bead seat to bead seat across the front, and measure the width from one bead seat to the opposite bead seat. 
This video demonstrates how to measure the diameter and width of a wheel: 1mBoosted MediaYouTube · Jan 14, 2017
1. Look for stamped markings 

  • Often, the size is stamped directly onto the rim, typically on the inside of the barrel or behind the center cap. 
  • Look for a marking that looks like 18x7 ½. The first number is the diameter, and the second is the width. 
  • The size can be in inches or millimeters. 

2. Measure manually
  • Diameter: Measure the distance from one bead seat to the other across the face of the rim. This is the diameter of the wheel. It is crucial not to measure from the outer lip to outer lip, as this can be misleading. 
  • Width: Measure the distance from the inside of one bead seat to the inside of the opposite bead seat. This measurement is typically in increments of a half-inch. 
  • Bolt pattern: If the size isn't stamped, you can also determine some information by measuring the bolt pattern. 
    • For 4 or 6 lugs: Measure from the center of one bolt hole to the center of the one directly across from it. 
    • For 5 lugs: Measure from the outer edge of one bolt hole to the center of the opposite bolt hole. 

This video demonstrates how to measure the bolt pattern of a wheel: 1mJEGS PerformanceYouTube · Oct 8, 2015


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.