How do you read a steel rim size?
David Jones
Updated on March 29, 2026
Locate the stamped size on the back of the hub on the rim. This is the assigned measured size of the rim, and it is broken into three sizes: diameter, width and bolt pattern. For example, a 14 by 6 by 4.5 reading on the rim indicates that the diameter of the rim is 14 inches, and it will accommodate most 14-inch tires.
How do you determine rim size?
The two easiest ways are to check the sticker plate in your car, it should be located inside the driver side door, or look online for the vehicle specifications for your exact make and model. That should tell you the standard rim size.
What does J mean in rim size?
Inner width of wheel in inches (6 ½ x 25.4mm= 152.4mm). J. Indicates the shape of the wheel on the place where the tyre bead sits on the wheel. x. Indicates that the construction of the wheel is one-piece.
What does 17×7 mean for rims?
A rim that is 17-by-7.5 has a wheel diameter of 17 inches. This refers to the inside diameter on the tire. When looking for the right tire, you can tell if the tire works by the alphanumeric assigned to the tire. For example, P225/47R17 denotes a popular tire size. The R17 denotes the wheel size of the tire.
How wide is 7.5 J?
Wheel markings explained To better illustrate the meaning of the markings, let’s take a look at the following example: “7.5Jx16H2 ET35.” In this case: 7.5 is the wheel size, meaning it is 7.5 inches wide (1 inch = 25.4mm) 16 is the wheel diameter, also expressed in inches.
How do rim sizes work?
The wheel size is the size designation of a wheel given by its diameter, width, and offset. For example, 17 x 8.5 x +35 designates a diameter of 17 inches, width of 8.5 inches, and +35 mm positive offset (432 × 216 x +35 in fully metric numbers).
Can I put 20 inch rims on my car?
Yes you can put 20 inch rims on your vehicle but with limitations. This will depend on how wide the rims and tires will be and also if the tires will clear the struts and suspension parts when driving and turning.
What does 17×8 mean for rims?
Wheel sizes are defined with the calculation: (diameter x width), so that a 17” diameter wheel might be 17×7”, 17×7. 5” or 17×8”. Widths tend to scale up with the diameter, so that while you will almost never see a 17×5” or a 17×10” wheel, a 14×5” or 19×10” wheel are standard sizes.
How do you measure a wheel rim?
Measure the width of the tire by placing the measuring tape on the inside bead lip and across to the opposite inside bead lip. So if it measured 7 inches and the diameter was 15 inches, it would be a 15-by-7-inch rim. Measure the bolt patterns of the rim.
How do I Find my rim size?
How to Determine Your Vehicle’s Maximum Wheel Size. Find your vehicles OE information sticker or plate (it’s usually in the door jamb or glove compartment). Locate the line that says Rims/Wheels and you’ll see something like 14×5.5. The first number “14” is the OE rim size, 14 inches, and “5.5” is the width, 5.5 inches.
How to determine rim size?
Method 1 of 4: Determining a Rim’s Diameter Download Article. Lay your rim on a flat,stable surface and get a measuring tape.
What is the wheel rim size?
Subtract the length of the lip twice from your outer diameter, once for each end of the wheel. This will give you the true diameter of your rim.