Wheel Bolt Pattern & PCD Guide
The bolt pattern — also called PCD — is the first number every wheel buyer learns, and the most misunderstood. It tells you whether a wheel can physically bolt to a hub, but it says nothing about whether the wheel actually fits. This guide explains what PCD means, how to read it, and why it is only the first of several checks.
What Does PCD Mean?
PCD stands for Pitch Circle Diameter. It is the diameter of the imaginary circle that passes through the center of every lug hole on a wheel. Combined with the number of holes, it fully describes the bolt pattern.
A bolt pattern is written in two parts:
- the number of lug holes, and
- the PCD in millimeters
So 5x112 means: five lug holes arranged on a 112 mm circle. 6x139.7 means: six lug holes on a 139.7 mm circle. The x is a separator — it is not a multiplication sign.
| Pattern | Read as | Lug holes | PCD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5x112 | “five by one-twelve” | 5 | 112 mm |
| 5x114.3 | “five by one-fourteen-point-three” | 5 | 114.3 mm |
| 6x139.7 | “six by one-thirty-nine-point-seven” | 6 | 139.7 mm |
Why the Hole Count Matters
The number of holes and the PCD must both match the hub. A 5-hole wheel will not bolt onto a 6-hole hub, and a wheel with the right number of holes but the wrong PCD will not center correctly — the lug holes will not align with the studs or bolt holes.
Some patterns are close on paper (5x112 and 5x114.3 are only 2.3 mm apart), but “close” is not a fit. Even a small mismatch means the wheel cannot be mounted safely. Adapters, wobble bolts and conversion hardware change the mounting situation entirely and must never be assumed — they are engineering solutions with their own requirements, not a way to make any wheel fit any car.
The 5x112 Bolt Pattern
5x112 is one of the most common patterns in European-oriented wheel programs. It is the verified pattern for the BMW and Mercedes-Benz chassis covered in our fitment guides, and it appears across many other European platforms as well.
At AORUI we supply 5x112 wheel programs for wholesale, OEM/ODM and private label projects. Verified AR-series examples include AR-01, AR-04 and AR-05, with additional current models listed on our 5x112 wheels wholesale page. The page reads model names and specifications from the live product library. The pattern is common, but each wheel still has to be checked against the specific vehicle — see “Why PCD Alone Is Not Fitment” below.
The 5x114.3 Bolt Pattern
5x114.3 is a global bestseller, widely used across Japanese, Korean and many American platforms. It is a staple of any serious aftermarket catalog because of the sheer number of vehicles it covers.
Verified AR-series examples include AR-01, AR-03, AR-04 and AR-05, with additional current models and real specifications listed on the 5x114.3 wheels wholesale page.
The 6x139.7 Bolt Pattern
6x139.7 is a classic truck and 4x4 pattern, widely used on off-road platforms. Six lug holes carry the load of heavier vehicles, and the pattern is a staple of truck and SUV wheel programs in several markets.
Our verified 6x139.7 program model is AR-06 (off-road, 18-20”, negative offset options available) — see the 6x139.7 off-road wheels wholesale page for real specifications.
Why PCD Alone Does NOT Confirm Fitment
This is the most important section in this guide. A matching bolt pattern is necessary but never sufficient. These checks must all be completed before a wheel can be considered for a specific vehicle:
Center bore (CB). The wheel must center on the vehicle’s hub. If the wheel’s center bore is larger than the hub, a correctly sized centering solution must be verified. If the center bore is smaller than the hub, the wheel physically will not mount. Center bore is covered in detail in our wheel center bore guide.
Offset (ET). The offset decides where the wheel sits relative to the hub — how far it tucks into the wheel well or sticks out toward the fender. Wrong offset can mean the wheel touches the suspension, brake caliper or fender. Offset is explained in our wheel offset guide.
Wheel width and diameter. The wheel must clear the brakes (diameter and spoke shape) and the width must suit the vehicle’s wheel well and tire requirements. A wider wheel changes the tire’s position and can rub.
Brake clearance. Larger brake packages need more clearance inside the wheel barrel and behind the spokes. A wheel that clears the brakes on one trim of a model may not clear the bigger brakes on another trim of the same model.
Load requirement. The wheel must carry the vehicle’s axle load with margin. Load rating is a real engineering figure — it cannot be guessed from the wheel’s size or appearance.
Mounting hardware. Thread pitch, bolt/nut seat type and shank length must suit the vehicle’s hardware.
Fitment in Practice: What We Verify Per Project
At AORUI we keep this distinction strict in everything we publish. Our wheel fitment guide explains the full picture, and our BMW fitment guide and Mercedes-Benz fitment guide show verified OEM reference data — PCD, center bore, bolt thread and selected OEM wheel configurations — without claiming any aftermarket wheel is a direct fit.
When you send us a vehicle model, chassis or VIN plus your target wheel size and application, we check PCD, center bore, offset, wheel size, brake clearance and project requirements before quotation — not after. That is the only honest way to sell wheels.
FAQ
What does 5x112 mean? Five lug holes on a 112 mm bolt circle diameter (PCD). It is a common European passenger pattern and the verified pattern for the BMW and Mercedes-Benz chassis in our fitment guides.
Is 5x112 the same as 5x114.3? No. They differ by 2.3 mm in PCD. They are not interchangeable without engineered conversion hardware, and conversion solutions must never be assumed.
Can I use wobble bolts to fit a different PCD? Wobble bolts are an engineering solution with specific application limits, not a universal fix. Fitment decisions that rely on them must be made with verified technical data for the exact wheel and vehicle — never assumed.
What does 6x139.7 fit? The 6x139.7 pattern is associated with truck and 4x4 platforms. Exact vehicle coverage depends on the complete specification, and we verify fitment per project against your vehicle list.
How do I check my car’s bolt pattern? Measure the distance between lug holes or confirm with verified technical data for your exact model, generation and trim. Vehicle fitment should always be confirmed against authoritative sources for the specific chassis — not from memory or generic lists.
Does a matching bolt pattern mean the wheel fits? No. PCD is only the first check. Center bore, offset, width, diameter, brake clearance, load rating and mounting hardware must all be verified for the specific vehicle configuration.
Get Help With Your Fitment
If you are sourcing wheels for a program and need the specification checked, send us your vehicle model, chassis or VIN, target wheel size and application. We review the full fitment picture before we quote — request fitment verification.
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