Best Wheel Offset Guide

Wheel Offset Explained

What is wheel offset? The short answer is: Wheel offset refers to the distance between the centerline of the wheel and the mounting surface that connects to the vehicle’s hub.

When upgrading your wheels, it is essential to understand wheel offset to achieve the perfect fit and appearance for your vehicle. Offset is measured in millimetres, ensuring that your new wheels not only enhance the vehicle’s appearance but also fit correctly, thus preventing any handling or safety issues. It affects how the wheel aligns with the vehicle’s axle, impacting both its look and performance.

What Are The Different Types Of Wheel Offsets?

Positive Offset

The mounting surface is closer to the front edge of the wheel. This means the wheel is tucked further into the wheel well. Think of it like sitting on a chair with your feet tucked under you. Positive offsets are common in front-wheel-drive vehicles and modern trucks and SUVs, offering a clean, flush appearance.

Zero Offset

The wheel’s mounting surface is perfectly centred in the middle of the wheel. Imagine placing a pancake directly on a plate—its centre aligns with the plate’s centre. This offset type is common in wheels designed for balanced handling and compatibility across many vehicles.

Negative Offset

The mounting surface is closer to the back of the wheel, making the wheel protrude outward. Picture leaning back in a chair with your feet stretched out—this bold look is often seen in off-road and custom vehicles, giving them a wide, aggressive stance.

How To Measure Wheel Offset?

If you need to determine your wheel’s offset but can’t find it in your owner’s manual or product description, follow these steps using a yardstick and tape measure:

Step 1: Position the Wheel

  • Lay the wheel flat on its side with the mounting surface facing up.
  • Place it on a soft surface to prevent scratches.
  • For the most accurate measurement, remove the tyre.

Step 2: Measure the Wheel Width

  • Lay a yardstick (or a straight edge) across the wheel’s diameter.
  • Measure from the ground up to the yardstick to determine the width.
  • Record the measurement in millimetres for accuracy.

Step 3: Find the Centerline

  • Divide the total width by two to determine the wheel’s centerline.
  • Write down this number—it will be important for the next step.

Step 4: Measure from the Hub Mounting Surface

  • Keep the yardstick in place.
  • Measure the distance from the mounting hub face (the surface that contacts the vehicle’s hub) to the bottom of the yardstick.
  • Record this measurement in millimetres.

Step 5: Calculate the Offset

  • Subtract the centerline measurement (Step 3) from the hub-to-yardstick measurement (Step 4).
  • This gives you the wheel’s offset.

What Does The Offset Calculation Mean?

  • Positive Offset: If your result is a positive number (e.g., 146 mm – 134 mm = 12 mm), the mounting surface is closer to the front face of the wheel.
  • Zero Offset: If both measurements are equal (e.g., 146 mm – 146 mm = 0 mm), the mounting surface is exactly in the middle of the wheel.
  • Negative Offset: If your result is a negative number (e.g., 146 mm – 164 mm = -18 mm), the mounting surface is deeper inside the wheel, pushing the wheel further out.

What is Wheel Backspacing?

Wheel backspacing refers to the distance (in inches) from the mounting surface to the inner edge of the wheel. A wheel’s width is measured between the tyre bead mounting points, meaning its actual outer width is approximately an inch wider than the listed specification. For example, an 8″ wheel will measure around 9″ from edge to edge. This difference makes converting offset to backspacing more complex. If an 8″ wheel has a zero offset, its backspacing isn’t 4″ but rather 4.5″.

Wheel Offset/Backspacing Chart

Wheel Width 3.25″ 3.50″ 3.75″ 4.00″ 4.25″ 4.50″ 4.75″ 5.00″ 5.25″ 5.50″ 5.75″
5.5″ 0 +6mm +12mm +18mm +26mm +30mm +36mm +42mm +48mm +54mm +60mm
6.0″ -6mm 0 +6mm +12mm +18mm +26mm +30mm +36mm +42mm +48mm +54mm
6.5″ -12mm -6mm 0 +6mm +12mm +18mm +26mm +30mm +36mm +42mm +48mm
7.0″ -18mm -12mm -6mm 0 +6mm +12mm +18mm +26mm +30mm +36mm +42mm
7.5″ -24mm -18mm -12mm -6mm 0 +6mm +12mm +18mm +26mm +30mm +36mm
8.0″ -30mm -24mm -18mm -12mm -6mm 0 +6mm +12mm +18mm +26mm +30mm
8.5″ -36mm -30mm -24mm -18mm -12mm -6mm 0 +6mm +12mm +18mm +26mm
9.0″ -42mm -36mm -30mm -24mm -18mm -12mm -6mm 0 +6mm +12mm +18mm
9.5″ -48mm -42mm -36mm -30mm -24mm -18mm -12mm -6mm 0 +6mm +12mm
10.0″ -54mm -48mm -42mm -36mm -30mm -24mm -18mm -12mm -6mm 0 +6mm
10.5″ -60mm -54mm -48mm -42mm -36mm -30mm -24mm -18mm -12mm -6mm 0
11.0″ -72mm -66mm -60mm -54mm -48mm -42mm -36mm -24mm -18mm -12mm -6mm
12.” -78mm -72mm -66mm -60mm -54mm -48mm -42mm -36mm -24mm -18mm -12mm

Why Wheel Offset is Important?

When choosing the best wheels for your vehicles, using an offset calculator is essential to avoid costly mistakes. Here’s why:

Perfect Fitment & Best Outlook

An offset calculator ensures your wheels align perfectly with your vehicle’s axles and body. It minimizes the risk of rubbing against the fenders, struts, and suspension components. Plus, the right offset enhances the visual appeal, giving your ride a sleek or aggressive look, depending on your preference.

Reduced Risk Of Wheel Damage

Incorrect offset can lead to excessive stress on your wheels and suspension, increasing the risk of damage over time. A proper offset helps distribute weight evenly, reducing wear and tear and ensuring optimal safety.

Choosing The Right Offset Dealer

At NYC Wheels, we make it easy to find the perfect wheels with the right offset for your car. Whether you’re upgrading to enhance your car’s performance or aesthetics, visit our recommended trusted dealer: CNC Wheels for mag wheels and alloy wheels, and explore our extensive collection designed to suit every style and vehicle.