Quick answer: A stud pattern, or PCD (pitch circle diameter), is written as two numbers, such as 5x114.3. The first is the number of wheel studs and the second is the diameter in millimetres of the circle they sit on. A wheel only bolts on properly if its PCD matches your hub exactly. Dual-drilled wheels have two sets of holes, so one wheel covers two patterns. In the SpeedWorks range that includes the SW01 (5x100 and 5x114.3) and the SW08 (4x100 and 4x114.3).
What PCD means
Picture a circle running through the centre of every wheel stud on your hub. The diameter of that circle is the pitch circle diameter. Put the stud count in front and you have the stud pattern:
- 5x114.3: five studs on a 114.3 mm circle. This is the most common pattern in our gallery, on cars such as the Nissan Silvia S15, 200SX S14, Subaru WRX VA and Honda Civic FC.
- 5x112: five studs on a 112 mm circle. Customers run it on the VW Golf Mk7 and Mk8, Audi RS3 8V, Audi A4 B9 and Mercedes-AMG CLA35.
- 5x120: five studs on a 120 mm circle. In our gallery that means BMW 3 Series, including the E46, E90 and E92.
- 5x100: five studs on a 100 mm circle.
- 4x100 and 4x114.3: four-stud patterns, mostly on older and smaller cars.
- 6x139.7: six studs on a 139.7 mm circle. It's the 4x4 and ute pattern, seen on the Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser Prado 120 builds in our gallery.
Close is not good enough. Patterns like 5x112 and 5x114.3 differ by only a couple of millimetres, which is enough that the nuts or bolts won't seat squarely. Never force a wheel onto a pattern it wasn't drilled for, and don't rely on "wobble" style nuts as a substitute for the correct PCD.
What is a dual-drilled wheel?
A dual-drilled (or multi-PCD) wheel has two stud patterns machined into the same mounting face, usually with the holes sitting next to each other. Only one set is used on your car. The other set just sits empty.
The benefit is flexibility. One wheel can suit cars on either pattern, and it's handy if you change cars later. Most people never notice the spare holes once the centre cap is on and the wheel is mounted. Some buyers prefer the cleaner look of a single-drilled face, which is why several of our designs come in single-pattern versions too.
Which SpeedWorks wheels are dual-drilled?
| Wheel | Construction | Size and offset | Drilling | From (per wheel) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW01 | Flow-formed | 18x8 +38 | 5x100 and 5x114.3 | $225 |
| SW03 | Flow-formed | 18x8 +38 | 5x112 and 5x114.3 | $225 |
| SW04 | Cast | 18x8 +38 | 5x100 and 5x114.3 | $225 |
| SW05 | Cast | 18x8.5 / 18x9.5 +35 | 5x100 and 5x114.3 | $225 |
| SW07 | Flow-formed | 18x8.5 +40 | 5x112 and 5x108 | $225 |
| SW08 | Cast | 15x8 +15 | 4x100 and 4x114.3 | $212.50 |
| SW13 | Cast | 17x8.5 +30 | 5x100 and 5x114.3 | $250 |
| SW19 | Flow-formed | 18x8.5 +38 | 5x100 and 5x114.3 | $225 |
| SW20 | Flow-formed | 18x8.75 +35 | 5x100 and 5x114.3 | $225 |
Some wheels come in separate single-drilled versions for each pattern instead. The SW02 is offered in 5x114.3, 5x112, 5x120 and 5x100, and each version has its own size and offset. The SW12 comes in 5x114.3 and 5x120.
Dual-drilling works well for real cars. A customer's Subaru Impreza WRX STI GV runs the SW05 18x9.5 +35 in 5x100 and 5x114.3. The SW08 15x8 +15 is on Honda Civic EG and EK hatches, Mazda MX-5 NA and NB roadsters and a Mitsubishi Lancer CH in our gallery.
How to find your car's PCD
1. Check what's already known
Start with the owner's manual, a reputable fitment database or your current wheels. Many aftermarket wheels have the PCD cast or stamped on the back of a spoke or inside the barrel. You can also browse our customer gallery by make (for example /pages/gallery?make=nissan) to see what pattern similar cars run.
2. Count the studs
Four, five or six studs immediately rules out most patterns.
3. Measure
- Four or six studs: measure from the centre of one stud straight across to the centre of the stud directly opposite.
- Five studs: there's no stud directly opposite, so a straight measurement doesn't work. Measure from the back edge of one stud to the centre of the stud furthest away. This gives a close approximation. A PCD gauge is more accurate.
Tape-measure results are only approximate, and patterns like 5x112 and 5x114.3 are too close to tell apart reliably by eye. If your measurement falls between two common patterns, confirm with the manufacturer's spec or message us with your make, model, year and series before you order.
PCD is only the first check
A matching stud pattern means the wheel will bolt up. It doesn't guarantee the wheel will fit the car. You still need to check:
- Offset and width: these decide whether the wheel clears the suspension and sits inside the guards. Our offset calculator compares your current setup with a new one.
- Brake clearance: larger aftermarket calipers can foul some spoke designs.
- Centre bore: SW passenger wheels have a 73.1 mm bore. On hubs smaller than that, a hub-centric ring centres the wheel.
- Guards and ride height: wider or lower-offset setups may need guard work or a lowered ride height, depending on the car. Ask us if you're unsure.
Frequently asked questions
Are dual-drilled wheels weaker than single-drilled wheels?
Every SW passenger wheel, dual-drilled or not, has the same 690 kg per-wheel load rating and is certified to JWL, VIA and AS1638.
Can I fit a 5x114.3 wheel to a 5x112 hub?
No. The two patterns are close but not the same, and the wheel won't seat correctly. Choose a wheel drilled for your exact pattern.
Do the unused holes on a dual-drilled wheel matter?
No. They're simply unused. They don't affect how the wheel mounts or how it's rated.
Which SW wheels suit 6x139.7 4x4s?
The SW11 and SW21 are 17x9 with zero offset, 6x139.7, a 110.1 mm centre bore and an 800 kg load rating. Customers run them on Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser Prado 120 builds. Check brake, suspension and guard clearance for your own vehicle, and see the full 4x4 collection.
I'm not sure of my PCD. Can you help?
Yes. Send us your make, model, year and series and we'll confirm the pattern and suggest wheels that suit.