[Discount Tire]

Offset and backspace are essentially two different ways of looking at the same thing. They determine the location of the wheel and tire assembly when bolted to the vehicles hub.

Offset is the measured distance between the hub mounting surface and the wheels center line.

With X being the determined offset, the hub mounting surface on positive offset wheels is X amount forward from the wheel center line. The hub mounting surface on negative offset wheels is X amount backwards from the wheel center line. The hub mounting surface on 0 offset wheels is the wheel center line.​

Backspacing is the measurement from the hub mounting surface to the back edge of the wheel.

***Typically speaking, the higher the offset/backspace, the more the wheel will tuck inwards towards the suspension or away from the fender. The lower the offset/backspace, the more the wheel will push out away from the suspension or towards the fender.

For Example:​

​

*If the offset on a 9" wide wheel is +12mm, the hub mounting surface will be 12mm forward from the wheels center line. Measuring from the hub mounting surface to the back edge of the wheel, the backspacing is 5.5"​

​

*If the offset on a 9" wide wheel is -12mm, the hub mounting surface would be 12mm towards the back of the wheel from the wheels center line. Measuring from the hub mounting surface to the back edge of the wheel, the backspacing is 4.5"​

Here's how to calculate the backspacing using the rim width and offset:

First - add 1" to the rim width and then divide by 2 to find the wheels center line (you have to account for the wheel flange which is why you add 1" to the rim width) . Second - convert the offset which is in millimeters into inches. There is 25.4mm in 1 inch so divide the offset by 25.4. Lastly - add the converted offset to the wheels center line if the offset is positive for the correct backspacing. Subtract the converted offset to the wheels center line if the offset is negative for the correct backspacing.

For Example:​

​

17x9 +12mm offset​

​

*9" rim width + 1" = 10"​

*10"/2 = 5" (wheels center line)​

*+12mm offset/25.4 = 0.47" (0.50" rounded up)​

*0.50" + 5" = 5.50" Backspace​

​

​

17x9 -12mm offset​

​

*9" rim width + 1" = 10"​

*10"/2 = 5" (wheels center line)​

*-12mm offset/25.4 = 0.47" (0.50" rounded up)​

*0.50" - 5" = 4.50" Backspace​

***Please note that the wheels center line is the backspacing for 0 offset wheels.


Here's an offset/backspace reference chart for quick reference.

I hope this helps.

-Matt

 

[TheOregonFront]

so positive sucks it in and negative brings it out?

 

[Discount Tire]

^
Typically speaking, yes.

If you are comparing two wheels with the same width and different offsets the wheel with the lower offset will sit out further than the wheel with the higher offset.

If you are comparing two wheels with the same width and different backspaces the wheel with the lower backspace will sit out further than the wheel with the higher backspace.

 

[LoopOut]

^^^Very good info. Thanks for posting this. Should help a few people get a better understanding of wheel dimensions.

 

[Nismo05]

So if I have a 20x9 positive offset wheel and I took a piece of wood and ran it from flange to flange and then used a measuring tape and it was 6 1/4 inches from where the hub mounts to the vehicle, so that's my backspacing right ?

 

[bimmernut318]

So if I have a 20x9 positive offset wheel and I took a piece of wood and ran it from flange to flange and then used a measuring tape and it was 6 1/4 inches from where the hub mounts to the vehicle, so that's my backspacing right ?

yes

 

[Nismo05]

yes

Ok, so , if I want to get rid of the 1" wheel spacers I have and keep the wheels sitting how they are now i would need to get the same width of wheel at 9" but with a positive offset and 5 1/4 backspacing, correct?

 

[bimmernut318]

if the wheel width remains at 9" then yes, you need 1" less backspacing and a positive offset to get rid of the spacers.

 

[igbar]

This needs to be stickied.



...and so it is.

 

[bimmernut318]

This needs to be stickied.



...and so it is.

Good Job, This is usually a huge confusing mess!

 

[frontier49]

So, would a 5.5" backspacing with 0 offset be the best wheel for keeping things tucked in with a ReadyLift 2.5F/1.5R lift? What is the bolt pattern for a 2011 Frontier?

 

[Discount Tire]

^
An 11" wide wheel with 0 offset gives you 5.5" of backspace. This will not work on the Frontier.

The right combination for you will depend on the look and tire size you are trying to accomplish.

Give Jordan a call at 1.888.459.4080 ext 51837 and he would be happy to help you select the best set-up for your needs. Jordan has a 2nd Gen Frontier and knows the fitment well.

The bolt pattern on your frontier is 6-114.3 (6-4.5").

 

[frontier49]

^
An 11" wide wheel with 0 offset gives you 5.5" of backspace. This will not work on the Frontier.

The right combination for you will depend on the look and tire size you are trying to accomplish.

Give Jordan a call at 1.888.459.4080 ext 51837 and he would be happy to help you select the best set-up for your needs. Jordan has a 2nd Gen Frontier and knows the fitment well.

The bolt pattern on your frontier is 6-114.3 (6-4.5").

Thanks. I like the American OutLaw Buckshots. I've already decided on the tire I want. I want Cooper Zeon LTZ's in 32 inch, but ya'll don't show them on your website. Of course, I've got to save up the money first. Tires, Wheels and Lift aren't cheap.

 

[SilverSL2012]

So how do i know what the stock offset is? So if i put aftermarket wheels on it doesnt look like a beanermobile.

 

[frontier49]

So how do i know what the stock offset is? So if i put aftermarket wheels on it doesnt look like a beanermobile.

I want my wheels tucked in for that same reason.

 

[Discount Tire]

Thanks. I like the American OutLaw Buckshots. I've already decided on the tire I want. I want Cooper Zeon LTZ's in 32 inch, but ya'll don't show them on your website. Of course, I've got to save up the money first. Tires, Wheels and Lift aren't cheap.

What size Buckshot were you looking to run?

So how do i know what the stock offset is? So if i put aftermarket wheels on it doesnt look like a beanermobile.

The 18x7.5 SL wheels have a +30mm offset.

 

[frontier49]

What size Buckshot were you looking to run?



The 18x7.5 SL wheels have a +30mm offset.

I'm planning on staying with a 16" wheel.

 

[Discount Tire]

The American Outlaw Buckshot would be an excellent wheel for you.

Wheel Details - Discount Tire Direct

When you are ready give Jordan a call. He will get you set up with tires and wheels.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

 

[lannboi]

I need some help with some fitment..don't know much about offset and backspacing number..appreciate with any help or suggestion.with that being said will this number work with my lowered king cab?

19x9 front and 19x10.5 rear but the lowest backspace the 9" can run at is 5.9" and the 10.5 can get down to 6.4"

Will that number work or do I need to change the diameter or offset?thank

 

[Discount Tire]

I need some help with some fitment..don't know much about offset and backspacing number..appreciate with any help or suggestion.with that being said will this number work with my lowered king cab?

19x9 front and 19x10.5 rear but the lowest backspace the 9" can run at is 5.9" and the 10.5 can get down to 6.4"

Will that number work or do I need to change the diameter or offset?thank

We would be happy to look into this fitment for you. What year and model Frontier do you have? What wheel model are you looking at?