Trailer Bolt Pattern Guide
The bolt pattern (like 5x4.5) is the lug count plus the diameter of the circle the holes sit on. Here's how to measure it right the first time.
4, 6 or 8 lugs: measure from the center of one hole to the center of the hole directly across. That's your bolt circle.
5 lugs have no hole directly across — measure from the center of one hole to the far edge of the hole two positions over, or use the exact calculator below.
Exact method — measure two neighboring holes
Measure center-to-center between two holes next to each other (easiest to do accurately), pick your lug count, and geometry does the rest.
That's the standard 5 x 4.5" (5 x 114.3 mm) pattern.
Common trailer bolt patterns
| Pattern (inches) | Metric (mm) | Typically seen on |
|---|---|---|
| 4 x 4" | 4 x 101.6 | Small boat & utility trailers |
| 5 x 4.5" | 5 x 114.3 | The most common trailer pattern ("5 on 4½"); most cars & many SUVs |
| 5 x 4.75" | 5 x 120.65 | Many GM cars |
| 5 x 5" | 5 x 127 | Some trailers; classic GM trucks & SUVs |
| 5 x 5.5" | 5 x 139.7 | Heavier single-axle trailers; classic Ford trucks |
| 6 x 5.5" | 6 x 139.7 | Tandem-axle trailers; GM & Toyota trucks |
| 8 x 6.5" | 8 x 165.1 | Heavy tandem/triple-axle trailers; HD pickups |
Know your pattern? We stock the wheel.
Spoke, mod and galvanized trailer wheels in 4, 5, 6 and 8 lug — by the piece, pallet or container.
Common questions
What does 5x4.5 mean?
Five lug holes arranged on a circle 4.5 inches across — also written 5 on 4½ or 5x114.3 in millimeters. The first number is the lug count, the second is the bolt circle diameter.
How do I measure a 5-lug bolt pattern?
Five lugs have no hole directly across, so measure from the center of one hole to the far edge of the hole two positions over. For an exact answer, measure center-to-center between two neighboring holes and multiply by 1.7013 — or use the calculator on this page.
Are 5x4.5 and 5x114.3 the same?
Yes — 4.5 inches equals 114.3 millimeters. The same pattern is labeled either way depending on the market.
Can I run a wheel with a different bolt pattern?
No. The wheel's bolt pattern must match the hub exactly. Adapters exist but add complexity and are generally not recommended for trailers carrying load.