While shopping for a new set of aftermarket wheels, you'll probably encounter terms like rim width, rim size, bolt pattern and custom wheel offset (or backspacing). While width, size and bolt patterns are pretty straight forward, understanding rim offset or backspacing can make all the difference in getting the stance you want, not to mention making sure your new rims don't rub.
What are wheel offset and wheel backspacing?
If you've found yourself asking, "What is wheel offset" or "what is wheel backspacing," you're not alone. We hear this question a lot. So, in the battle of backspacing vs offset, who wins?
The truth is, they're essentially two different ways to measure the same thing: how your wheels fit your ride.
Wheel offset is the distance from the mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. On the other hand, backspacing is the distance from the mounting surface to the wheel's back lip.
They're important to know because offset and backspacing don't just determine which wheels fit your vehicle, they work together to directly impact your ride's look. Want an aggressive stance with the wheels and tires out past your fenders? A set of negative offset wheels, (AKA wheels with a smaller backspace) may be the way to go. To get your wheels tucked under for a clean, sporty look, you need a set of wheels with a larger backspace, or positive offset wheels.
No matter the style you rock, getting the right offset or backspacing will ensure that your new wheels are the perfect fit.
If you want to do a deep dive and better understand how to measure wheel offset and how it converts to backspacing, check out our wheel offset chart below!
Wheel Offset and Backspacing Conversion Chart
Wheel Offset
The distance between the mounting surface and the wheel's centerline impacts your wheel's style and fit, and ensures that your wheels don't rub the fenders, brakes or other suspension components.
Offset is measured in millimeters and can be positive, zero or negative.
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Positive offset wheels: the mounting surface is further away from the centerline, sitting closer to the face of the wheel.
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Zero offset wheels: the mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.
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Negative offset wheels: the mounting surface is closer to the back of the wheel
Check out the diagrams below for a visual illustration of each offset type. You can see how a positive offset will tuck the assembly further under the fender, while a zero or negative offset pushes the wheel out towards or even past the fender.
While many modern vehicles are equipped with positive offset wheels, some rear-wheel-drive and off-road vehicles have zero or negative offset wheels, sometimes called deep dish rims. If you're trying to find your offset, most wheels have it stamped on the backside of the rim. When replacing your wheels, be sure to go with the offset that's right for your vehicle and your style.
And if you need help, don't sweat it. Buying wheels (and tires) online is a snap. Just input your vehicle and search our industry-leading wheel inventory to find the perfect fit for your ride. Then you can check out our wheel visualizer and see how your new rims look on your exact vehicle, including make, model and OE paint color!
WHEEL BACKSPACING
An older system of measurement, backspacing is the distance from the mounting surface to the back of the wheel. Like offset, your vehicle's needs determine your wheel's backspacing.
While offset is measured in millimeters, backspace is measured in inches. The correct backspacing will allow enough room for the suspension, brakes and steering systems to operate without interference from the wheel.
Remember, there's a direct correlation between backspacing and offset. A positive offset creates more backspace, while a negative offset reduces backspace.
How to measure wheel backspacing
To measure backspacing, lay the wheel facedown. (Pro Tip: use a soft surface to protect the wheel face.) Place a solid, flat item, such as a board, across the wheel so that there's a flat surface touching both sides of the wheel. Then, using a ruler or tape measure, measure the distance from the mounting surface to the base of the object.
Now you have your offset!
If you want to save yourself time (and money), our knowledgeable technicians can help you determine your vehicle's correct wheel offset and wheel backspacing. And if you're planning on going with bigger wheels, we can also help you custom design your very own wheel and tire package.
Plus, with our massive catalog of aftermarket wheels and low price guarantee, we can help you save on your style upgrade too!
If you have any questions or require any assistance, stop by any of our America's Tire locations and we'll get you taken care of! Customers who buy and book online save time in-store!