1. What is Bolt Pattern?

The bolt pattern describes the arrangement of bolts on a wheel or other circular component. It's typically expressed as the number of bolts multiplied by the angle spacing between them.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the bolt pattern formula:

Where:

• Number of Bolts — Total bolts in the pattern (typically 4, 5, 6, or 8)
• Angle Spacing — Degrees between each bolt (360° divided by number of bolts for equal spacing)

Explanation: The pattern describes how bolts are arranged around a circle, important for wheel compatibility and mechanical design.

3. Importance of Bolt Pattern

Details: Correct bolt pattern is crucial for proper wheel mounting, load distribution, and safety in automotive and mechanical applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter number of bolts (whole number ≥1) and angle spacing in degrees (0-360). Common patterns include 5×114.3mm (bolt count × circle diameter) but this calculator focuses on angular spacing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between bolt pattern and PCD?
A: Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD) refers to the diameter of the bolt circle, while bolt pattern includes both count and spacing.

Q2: What are common bolt patterns for cars?
A: Common patterns include 4×100, 5×114.3, and 6×139.7 (number of bolts × PCD in mm).

Q3: How do I measure bolt pattern?
A: For even counts, measure center-to-center distance between opposite bolts. For odd counts, measure from center to bolt hole center.

Q4: Can I use wheels with different bolt patterns?
A: Only with proper adapters, which may affect offset and load capacity. Not recommended for safety-critical applications.

Q5: Does bolt pattern affect wheel balance?
A: Improper pattern can cause vibration and uneven load distribution, potentially affecting balance and wear.