Wheel Offset Calculator

This Wheel Offset Calculator is a free research application that includes a Wheel and Tire Size calculator and comparison. Here you can see by comparison how upsizing, downsizing, or widening your rims and tires affects your wheel offset and vehicle performance of any car, truck, or SUV.

Tire Size Calculator

Key Features

  • Compare your current wheels and tires against your desired configuration.
  • Upsize, downsize, or increase your rim width.
  • The app calculates your new wheel offset automatically.
  • Compare two wheel and tire sizes, either metric or imperial.
  • Obtain a list of rim and tire size alternatives.
  • You can change your suspension parameters (fender, suspension, and wheel well clearance).
  • Review car performance effects after calculations.

Enter your wheels and tires configuration in one panel, and your desired configuration in the other.

How to operate the wheel offset and tire size calculator

A. Enter your information:

1 - Enter your current wheel and tire size parameters

2 - Enter your desired upsize or downsize wheel and tire info.

B. Check rim and tire size choices, from OEM , to recommended sets, to optional alternatives.

C. Review the tire and wheel comparisons and how changing the wheel offset will affect your vehicle.

How To Measure Wheel Offset

Wheel offset refers to the distance between the centerline of the hub mounting surface and the centerline of the wheel.

It is measured in millimeters and is one of the most crucial factors to consider when buying new wheels.

Now, if you are dealing with Factory Original wheels (OEM), the rim offset is already stamped on the reverse of the wheel, along with other fitment stamps related to wheel size, width, and original part number.

backside of a rim showing factory stamp for weel offset

But for general purposes, measuring the offset is easy. All you need is a straight-edge ruler and a little bit of math.

First, lay the straight-edge ruler across the center line of the wheel, making sure it touches the hub mounting surface.

Next, measure the distance between the straight edge and the center line of the wheel.

If the distance is positive, it means the wheel's offset is positive.

If it's negative, then the wheel's offset is negative.

Understanding Wheel Offset Better

Wheel offset affects a car's handling, stability, and overall performance.

A positive offset means the hub mounting surface is mounted closer to the outer rim, resulting in a narrower track width.

This setup provides better stability and handling, making it ideal for high-speed driving and racing.

On the other hand, negative offset wheels have the hub mounting surface closer to the inner rim, resulting in a wider track width.

This setup provides the vehicle with better traction, making it ideal for off-road and rough terrain driving.

However, wheels with negative offset can also cause fender rubbing and other clearance issues.

what is wheel offset diagram

Positive Offset wheels

Most factory wheels are offset-positive, they are the most common type of wheel found on most vehicles.

Rims with Positive wheel offset are a type of wheel where the hub mounting surface is located towards the outer edge of the wheel, resulting in a narrower track width.

This setup pulls the wheel closer to the car's body, creating a more streamlined and factory appearance.

The rims offer excellent stability and handling, making them ideal for high-speed driving and racing.

The narrow stance created by positive wheel offset allows the car to have better aerodynamics, which can improve fuel efficiency.

However, positive wheel offset can limit tire size options, and they may not provide the aggressive appearance some drivers desire.

But offset-positive wheels are an excellent option for those who prioritize performance and stability over appearance and customization.

Overall, they are a safe choice for those who want to upgrade their wheels without making significant modifications to their car.

3 Types of positive offset wheels

These wheels can also be classified into three categories based on their offset measurement - high, medium, and low offset wheels.

High-offset wheels have a high offset measurement (typically from 45 mm to 60 mm), with the hub mounting surface located closer to the outer edge of the wheel.

This setup creates a narrow stance, which provides excellent stability and handling at high speeds, are usually installed in Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles.

High-offset wheels are often found on sedans and smaller cars that prioritize on-road performance and fuel efficiency over an aggressive appearance.

Medium offset wheels have a moderate positive offset measurement (from 30 mm to 45 mm), with the center of the hub mounting surface located closer to the center of the wheel.

Mostly used in All wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, this setup balances the car's performance and appearance, providing a moderate stance that can accommodate a wider range of tire sizes.

Medium offset wheels are often found on SUVs, crossovers, and trucks, as they provide a good balance of performance, clearance, and appearance.

Low-offset wheels have a smaller positive offset measurement (from zero offset to 30 mm), with the hub mounting surface located closer to the inner edge of the wheel.

This setup creates a wider stance, especially for Rear wheel drive (RWD) cars and trucks which enhances the vehicle's appearance and provides better off-road performance.

Low-offset wheels are often found on sports cars, off-road vehicles, and racing cars that prioritize appearance and performance over fuel efficiency.

However, low-offset wheels can cause clearance issues and may require suspension modifications to accommodate larger tire sizes.

Overall, the choice of high, medium, or low offset wheels depends on the driver's priorities, needs, and preferences.

It is essential to choose the right offset wheel to ensure the car's safety, performance, and appearance.

Negative Offset

These wheels are a type of wheel where the hub mounting surface is located towards the inner edge of the wheel, resulting in a wider track width.

This setup pushes the wheel further outwards, making the tire appear to protrude outside the wheel well.

They are often chosen for their aggressive and sporty appearance, as well as their superior off-road and rough terrain performance.

The wider stance created by negative offset rims provides better traction and stability, particularly when driving on uneven surfaces, rocks, and mud.

However, wheels with negative offset also cause clearance issues, such as fender rubbing and wheel well interference.

As a result, proper tire size and suspension modifications may be necessary to accommodate wheels with negative offset.

Overall, negative offset rims are an excellent option for those looking to enhance their car's look and performance, particularly for off-road and racing enthusiasts.

GMA Sierra Denali with negative offset wheels

How To Measure Offsets

Measuring offsets is essential when shopping for new wheels and tires.

You need to make sure that the new setup will fit your car properly and not cause any clearance issues.

To measure the offset, you'll need to know the wheel width, backspacing, and overall diameter of custom wheels.

The backspacing refers to the distance between the hub mounting surface and the back edge of the wheel.

To measure it, you'll need to remove the wheel and measure the distance from the front mounting pad surface to the back of the wheel.

Once you have the wheel backspacing down, you can calculate the offset by subtracting half of the wheel width from the backspacing.

For example, if the wheel width is 8 inches, and the backspacing is 5 inches, the offset would be zero offset (0).

Summary

Understanding wheel offset and tire size is crucial when upgrading your wheels. It affects your car's performance, handling, and overall look.

Make sure you measure your offsets correctly and use a reliable tire size calculator to ensure you get the perfect fit for your car.

With the right setup, you'll be able to enjoy your car to the fullest and stand out from the crowd.

For more information, please see these related articles:

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If you would like more technical information on wheel fitment, the use of the wheel and tire size calculator, rim offset, bolt patterns, and measurements, visit our Tech Advice section. Here we share our knowledge with you to help you make the best possible decision for your car, truck or SUV.

— VICTOR G

Technical Director