Wheel Offset Calculator

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What is Wheel Offset Calculator?

So what exactly is wheel offset? It is the distance from the hub mounting surface to the wheel's centerline, and it's typically expressed in millimeters. The offset of your wheels is one of the most important characteristics to consider when buying new wheels. It's crucial to get this right because a wheel with the incorrect offset may damage your suspension and interfere with how well the braking system works.

You can use the wheel offset calculator and spacer guide below to your advantage if you want to increase your stance's width. Adding spacers can effectively increase the offset and push your wheels outwards. This is a popular modification because it makes your car look more aggressive and can improve handling. However, be careful not to go too crazy with this, or you may have serious problems.

Types of Wheel Offset (Positive, Zero, Negative)

The offset can be characterized as:

• positive
• negative
• zero

You can see these values represented in the wheels offset calculator as regular numbers for positive, 0 for zero, and numbers with a “-” symbol for negative offset.

A wheel with a positive offset has the hub mounting surface closer to the outside of the wheel. This is generally considered the standard offset for most cars.

The hub mounting surface of a wheel with a negative offset is closer to the inside. This type of offset is generally used on race cars or other high-performance vehicles where extra traction is needed.

A zero offset has the hub mounting surface in the center of the wheel. Some four-wheel-drive automobiles employ this method of offset.

Most wheel offsets are one of these three types, but there are some special cases where the offset is non-standard. Non-standard offsets can be dangerous and should be avoided.

How do I figure out wheel offset?

Most wheel companies will list the offset next to the wheel's width. For example, a wheel might be listed as 8x170mm with a +20mm offset. This means that the wheel is 8 inches wide and has a positive offset of 20 millimeters.

Or you could use our offset calculator and backspacing & offset charts any time. No need to go get your car to look at the wheels. Our online wheel offset calculating tool will provide you with the specs in the nick of time. Just enter the width, offset, and spacer specifications of your current wheel, and then find out how your new parts will affect the custom wheel offsets measurements.

Centerline

What is Wheel Backspacing?

Backspacing is the distance between the back edge of the wheel rims and the mounting face. This contrasts the offset, the distance from the hub mounting surface to the wheel's centerline. But as there are rim offset calculators, there is also plenty of tools to calculate the right backspacing for your car.

You need to keep the backspacing in mind because it affects how close the wheel will be to the suspension and brake components. If the backspacing is too small, the wheel may rub against these parts when turning or braking.

You can measure the backspacing on your current wheels to get an idea of what will work for your car. To do this, you'll need to use a tape measure. First, measure the distance from the back edge of the wheel rims to the mounting face. This is the backspacing.

How to use Wheel Offset & Backspacing Chart

If you want to use backspacing on your wheels, you might also want to figure out how much it would influence your wheel offset. It is very easy to do using our interactive wheel offset & backspacing chart. All you need to know is your rim's width (numbers are aligned vertically) and a backspacing value (numbers are aligned horizontally). The cell where they cross has a number that represents your new custom wheel offset. It can be positive, zero, or negative.

Wheel offset & backspacing chart

How to measure a wheel offset using a Calculator?

Since the offset of your wheels matters for both performance and safety reasons, you would have to be extra careful. You don't want to end up with the wrong measurements and ruin your driving experience. That being said, calculating wheel offset is quite simple. You just need to know a few basic specs, like the width of the wheel and the distance from the hub mounting surface to the wheel's centerline.

Once you have these numbers, you can type them into our wheel offset calculator and get the offset in millimeters. Now that you know how to get wheel offset measurements, you can be sure you're getting the right wheels for your car.

How does offset affect handling?

The offset of your wheels matters because it affects how well you can control your car. Different offsets give unique effects to the overall performance. A wheel with a positive offset will make your car handle more smoothly, while a wheel with a negative offset will make your car more aggressive. The offset also affects the width of your wheel well and how close the wheel is to the suspension.

Offset also affects your safety, so getting this number right with a wheel fitment calculator is essential so you don't damage your car. A wheel with the wrong offset can also cause your brakes to work less effectively. This is because a wheel too close to the suspension will interfere with the brake caliper's ability to grip the rotor. A wheel that is too far from the suspension will make it difficult for the brake pads to make contact with the rotor.

Does wheel offset affect alignment?

In short, no, you should not be worried that your wheel offset affects the wheel alignment. However, this does not apply if you introduce dramatic changes to your wheels and their offset. It is important not to stray too far from OEM specifications, and you should only opt for a different offset if you are adjusting for the suspension or for any other solid reason.

With a careful approach and the use of the wheel offset calculator, the new offset will not affect your alignment enough for you to notice. If you are not planning to make any big changes, there is no need to worry about your alignment.

How to use our Wheels Offset Calculator & Comparison step by step

The sole purpose of this wheel offset calculator and comparison tool is to help you see how alternative sizes of wheels will affect the offset. For instance, if you want to opt for larger or smaller tires, it’s always better to find out how this change will influence other specs. This is how to calculate custom wheel offset and see the wheel offset comparison:

• Type in your Current wheel specs (wheel width, offset, and spacer width if you already have it installed)
• Now add your New wheel specs in the same manner.

The wheel offset comparison diagram on the left will show you the difference between your current wheel offset and the one you can get with selected new wheel specs.

Wheel offset comparison tool

Current wheel specs

WHEEL FRONT

CAR SUSSPENSION

"

ET:

+mm SPACER

"

ET:

+mm SPACER

New wheel specs

Current wheel specs

Width:

in

Offset:

mm

Spacer:

mm

New wheel specs

Width:

in

Offset:

mm

Spacer:

mm

Wheel Spacers - How They Help Increase Wheel Offset

Wheel spacers are a great way to increase your wheel offset and improve the look of your car. They're also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. You might also consider installing spacers to prepare your car for larger tires that otherwise would not fit that easily.

Spacers come in various thicknesses, so you can choose the size that best fits your needs. Most wheel spacers are made from aluminum or steel, but there are also some spacers made from plastic. It's important to choose a high-quality spacer that is durable and will not break easily.

Installing spacers is a relatively simple process, but it's always best to consult with a professional before attempting any serious modifications to your car.

Best wheel spacers