What Is PCD on Alloy Wheels and How Do I Find Mine?
If you've been looking for new alloy wheels, you'll probably have come across the term PCD.
You might see something like:
5x112
or
5x114.3
But what do those numbers actually mean, and why is PCD so important when choosing wheels for your car?
At OMI Alloy Wheels, PCD is one of the first fitment specifications we consider when matching wheels to a vehicle. Getting the PCD wrong means the wheel isn't the correct fitment for the car, regardless of how good it looks.
What Does PCD Mean?
PCD stands for Pitch Circle Diameter.
It describes the bolt pattern on an alloy wheel.
The specification contains two numbers.
For example:
5x112
means:
- 5 = the number of wheel mounting holes
- 112 = the diameter of the pitch circle in millimetres
So a 5x112 wheel has five mounting holes arranged around a 112mm pitch circle.
Why Is PCD Important?
The PCD of the wheel needs to be suitable for your vehicle.
This is because the wheel needs to correctly locate onto the vehicle's wheel hub and be securely mounted.
You can't simply choose a wheel because it is the correct diameter.
For example, two wheels can both be 19 inches but have completely different PCDs.
One might be:
19" 5x112
while another could be:
19" 5x114.3
They are both 19-inch wheels, but they're designed for different fitments.
This is why wheel diameter alone isn't enough when choosing alloys.
What Are Common PCD Sizes?
There are many different PCD specifications used across different vehicles.
Some examples you'll encounter in the aftermarket wheel market include:
- 4x100
- 5x100
- 5x108
- 5x112
- 5x114.3
- 5x120
- 5x127
- 5x130
- 5x139.7
- 6x114.3
- 6x139.7
The correct PCD depends entirely on the vehicle and particular application.
How Do I Find My Car's PCD?
The easiest way is to give us the make and model of your car.
Depending on the vehicle, the PCD can be established from its original specification and fitment information.
You can also find the information from your vehicle's existing wheel specifications or a reputable wheel fitment database.
If you're buying wheels online, don't guess.
Make sure the PCD is confirmed before ordering.
Is PCD the Only Measurement I Need?
No.
This is another important point.
Finding your PCD is only the beginning.
You also need to consider:
Wheel Diameter
For example, 18, 19 or 20 inches.
Wheel Width
For example, 8J, 8.5J or 9J.
ET / Offset
This determines where the wheel sits in relation to the vehicle.
Centre Bore
This relates to how the centre of the wheel locates onto the vehicle hub.
Tyre Size
The tyre needs to be appropriate for the wheel and vehicle.
All of these specifications work together.
Can Two Wheels Have the Same PCD but Still Not Fit?
Yes.
This is extremely important.
Imagine two wheels are both:
5x112
That doesn't automatically mean they'll both fit the same car.
One could have a completely different ET, centre bore or width.
For example:
19x8 ET45 5x112
and
19x9 ET30 5x112
share the same PCD but have different widths and offsets.
That means they will sit differently on the vehicle.
So don't assume that matching PCD alone guarantees a correct fitment.
What Happens If I Get the PCD Wrong?
The wheel needs to be correctly suited to the vehicle's mounting pattern.
A wheel with an unsuitable PCD isn't something you should simply try to force onto the car.
This is why it's important to check the complete wheel specification before buying.
If you're unsure, speak to a specialist rather than guessing from photographs or a product description.
Does PCD Affect the Price of Alloy Wheels?
Not necessarily.
The PCD itself isn't usually what makes one wheel expensive and another cheap.
The biggest factors affecting wheel pricing include things such as:
- Size
- Design
- Brand
- Construction
- Manufacturing method
- Finish
For example, at OMI, an OEM-style 19-inch wheel can be around £150 per wheel including VAT, while premium flow-formed and forged wheels can cost considerably more.
A set of four forged wheels can reach around £3,000.
The difference isn't simply the PCD.
It's the wheel itself and how it has been manufactured.
Can I Use Spacers to Change PCD?
There are specialist products such as PCD adapters, but these aren't something we'd recommend simply using to make an unsuitable wheel fit without considering the complete setup.
Wheel fitment should always be approached as a complete system.
If there's a suitable wheel available in the correct PCD and specification, that's generally the better starting point.
What Is the Easiest Way to Find the Right Wheels?
Our advice at OMI is simple.
Send us a picture of your car.
Tell us:
- What size wheels you're interested in
- What colour you want
- Any designs you like
We can then help identify suitable options rather than you having to work through dozens of technical specifications yourself.
Final Thoughts
PCD is one of the most important measurements when choosing alloy wheels.
Remember:
5x112 doesn't mean “five holes and that's all that matters.”
The complete wheel specification needs to be suitable for your vehicle.
You also need to consider wheel size, width, ET, centre bore and tyre size.
And don't forget that two wheels with the same PCD can still be completely different wheels.
If you're unsure what fitment you need, send OMI a picture of your car and let us know what you're looking for.
We'll help you find wheels that suit your vehicle, your style and your budget.