What Is PCD?
PCD stands for Pitch Circle Diameter.
In simple terms, it is:
the measurement of your wheel bolt pattern.
It tells you:
- how many bolt holes the wheel has
- and the diameter of the circle those holes form
Example:
- 5x112
- 5x120
- 4x100
The first number = number of bolt holes
The second number = diameter in millimetres
So:
- 5x112 means 5 bolt holes on a 112mm circle
Why PCD Matters
PCD is one of the most important wheel measurements.
If the PCD is wrong:
- the wheel will not fit properly
- the wheel may not mount safely
- vibrations and alignment issues can occur
- in some cases, the wheel simply cannot be installed
We regularly see customers buy wheels online without checking PCD correctly.
It is one of the most common wheel buying mistakes.
How To Measure PCD
The measuring method depends on whether the wheel has:
- an even number of studs
- or an odd number of studs
Measuring 4 Stud or 6 Stud Wheels
This is the easiest type.
Simply:
- measure from the centre of one bolt hole
- directly across to the centre of the opposite hole
Example:
- centre-to-centre measurement = 100mm
- result = 4x100
Measuring 5 Stud Wheels
This is where people usually get confused.
You do NOT measure directly across because there is no opposite centre hole.
Instead:
- measure from the centre of one stud
- to the outer edge of the stud furthest away
This gives the approximate PCD.
Example:
- measurement close to 112mm = likely 5x112
The Most Common PCD Mistakes We See
After years of fitting wheels, these are the biggest issues customers run into:
Buying wheels based only on appearance
A wheel may “look right” but have completely wrong PCD.
Confusing similar bolt patterns
Some PCDs are very close:
- 5x112
- 5x114.3
People assume they are interchangeable — they are not.
Incorrect fitment can cause:
- vibration
- unsafe mounting
- wheel stress over time
Assuming all wheels from one brand fit
For example:
- not all BMW wheels fit all BMWs
- not all Audi wheels fit all VWs
- centre bore and offset still matter too
PCD is only one part of fitment.
PCD Is Not the Only Thing That Matters
Even with correct PCD, you still need to check:
- offset (ET)
- centre bore
- brake clearance
- wheel width
- tyre size
This is where many online wheel purchases go wrong.
A wheel can technically bolt on — but still rub, vibrate, or clear brakes poorly.
Vehicles We Commonly Check PCD For
Some common examples:
| Vehicle | Common PCD |
|---|---|
| VW Golf R | 5x112 |
| Audi A4 | 5x112 |
| BMW models | 5x120 or 5x112 (newer models) |
| Ford Transit Custom | 5x160 |
| Range Rover | varies by generation |
This is why we always check:
- exact model
- year
- brake setup
before recommending wheels.
Can You Change PCD?
Yes — but carefully.
PCD adapters can allow different bolt patterns, however:
- they change offset
- affect wheel positioning
- require correct hubcentric fitment
Cheap adapters or incorrect installation can create safety issues.
Why Professional Fitment Advice Matters
Many customers buy wheels after:
- copying another setup online
- measuring incorrectly
- assuming all wheels fit the same
Then problems appear:
- rubbing
- vibration
- brake clearance issues
- incorrect wheel seating
After 15+ years in wheel fitment, we always recommend checking the full setup before buying.
Final Advice
Measuring PCD is simple once you know how — but correct wheel fitment goes much further than just bolt pattern.
Before buying wheels, always confirm:
- PCD
- offset
- centre bore
- brake clearance
- tyre sizing
Expert Tip
A wheel that “almost fits” is not a proper fitment.
Correct wheel setup is about precision, not guesswork.