Bolt Patterns: A Complete Guide to 5x112, 5x100 Wheels, and More

When it comes to upgrading your vehicle's wheels, understanding bolt patterns is absolutely crucial. This essential measurement determines whether your new wheels will properly mount to your vehicle's hub. Two of the most common bolt patterns you'll encounter are 5x112 and 5x100, each serving different vehicle families. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about bolt patterns.

What Is a Bolt Pattern?

A bolt pattern (also called a lug pattern or PCD — Pitch Circle Diameter) is a measurement that describes two things:

1. The number of bolt holes (or lugs) on the wheel
2. The diameter of the circle formed by the center of those bolt holes (measured in millimeters)

For example, in the bolt pattern 5x112:

• 5 = five bolt holes
• 112 = the bolt holes sit on a circle with a 112mm diameter

Getting the bolt pattern wrong means your new wheels simply won't mount to your vehicle — or worse, they'll mount improperly and create a dangerous driving situation.

Common Bolt Patterns by Vehicle Make

Here's a quick reference of the most popular bolt patterns and which vehicles use them:

5x112 Bolt Pattern — Deep Dive

The 5x112 bolt pattern is the standard for German automakers and has become increasingly common:

Vehicles that use 5x112:

• Audi: A3, A4, A5, A6, Q3, Q5, Q7, TT
• Volkswagen: Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, Atlas
• Mercedes-Benz: C-Class, E-Class, GLC, GLE (most modern models)
• Porsche: Cayenne, Macan, Panamera (newer)
• SEAT & Škoda: Leon, Octavia, Superb

This is one of the most versatile bolt patterns on the market, which means you'll find an enormous selection of aftermarket wheels available.

5x100 Bolt Pattern — Deep Dive

The 5x100 bolt pattern is popular among Japanese manufacturers and some European vehicles:

Vehicles that use 5x100:

• Subaru: Impreza, WRX, Legacy, Forester, BRZ
• Toyota: Corolla, Prius, Celica, Matrix, 86/GR86
• Volkswagen: Golf Mk4, Jetta Mk4, Beetle (1998-2010)
• Chrysler/Dodge: PT Cruiser, Neon

How to Measure Your Bolt Pattern

If you're unsure of your vehicle's bolt pattern, here's how to measure it yourself:

For 5-Lug Wheels

1. Measure from the center of one bolt hole to the outer edge of the bolt hole directly across from it (not the adjacent hole)
2. This gives you the PCD diameter

For 4-Lug and 6-Lug Wheels

1. For even-numbered patterns (4-lug, 6-lug), simply measure from the center of one bolt hole straight across to the center of the opposite hole
2. This direct measurement is your PCD

The Quick Method

• Count the number of lugs
• Measure the distance between two adjacent bolt hole centers
• Use a bolt pattern calculator to convert to PCD

What Are Dual Bolt Patterns?

Some aftermarket wheels feature dual bolt patterns (also called multi-pattern or double-drilled wheels). These wheels have holes drilled for two different bolt patterns, making them compatible with a wider range of vehicles.

Common dual bolt pattern combinations include:

• 5x100/5x114.3 — fits both Subaru/Toyota and Honda/Nissan
• 5x108/5x114.3 — fits both Volvo/Ford and Honda/Nissan
• 5x112/5x120 — fits both VW/Audi and BMW

Pros of dual bolt pattern wheels:

• Greater compatibility across vehicles
• Easier to resell
• More options when shopping

Cons of dual bolt pattern wheels:

• Slightly reduced structural integrity around the hub area
• May not be suitable for high-performance or track use
• Extra holes can trap dirt and water

Hub Centric vs. Lug Centric

Even when the bolt pattern matches, you need to consider hub bore size:

• Hub centric wheels have a center bore that exactly matches your vehicle's hub, centering the wheel precisely
• Lug centric wheels rely on the lug nuts alone for centering

If your aftermarket wheels have a larger center bore than your vehicle's hub, you'll need hub centric rings to eliminate vibration and ensure proper centering.

Bolt Pattern Conversion — Can You Change Bolt Patterns?

Yes, but with caveats. Wheel adapters (also called bolt pattern adapters) allow you to mount wheels with a different bolt pattern:

• 5x100 to 5x114.3 adapters are common for Subaru owners wanting Honda/aftermarket wheels
• 5x112 to 5x120 adapters let VW/Audi owners run BMW wheels

Lug Nut Types and Seat Styles

Matching bolt patterns isn't the only concern — you also need the correct lug nut seat type:

• Conical (cone/taper seat) — most common, used by Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM
• Ball (radius seat) — used by BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, VW
• Flat seat (mag/washer) — used on some aftermarket wheels

Using the wrong lug nut seat type can result in loose wheels, damaged bolt holes, and unsafe driving conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put 5x112 wheels on a 5x100 car?

No, not without wheel adapters. The bolt patterns are different and the holes won't line up. You would need 5x100 to 5x112 adapters, which we generally don't recommend for daily driving.

What's the difference between 5x112 and 5x114.3?

These are two different bolt circle diameters — 112mm vs 114.3mm. They are NOT interchangeable. 5x112 is primarily German vehicles while 5x114.3 is primarily Japanese vehicles.

How do I know if my wheels are hub centric?

Check if there's a snug fit between the wheel's center bore and your vehicle's hub. If there's a visible gap, you need hub centric rings. Your vehicle's hub diameter is listed in the owner's manual.

Are aftermarket wheels as safe as OEM?

Yes, when purchased from reputable brands and properly installed with the correct bolt pattern, hub bore, offset, and lug nuts. All wheels sold by Autrex meet or exceed SAE/JWL safety standards.

Can I use a different number of lugs?

No. A 5-lug vehicle requires 5-lug wheels. The hub and brake rotor are designed for a specific number of mounting points. Never use adapters that change the lug count.

Finding the Right Wheels

Ready to shop for wheels that perfectly match your vehicle? At Autrex, every wheel listing includes the bolt pattern, offset, and hub bore specifications. Use our vehicle fitment tool to see only wheels guaranteed to fit your ride.

Browse All Wheels →