Wheel Offset Vs. Wheel Backspacing

Wheel Offset Vs. Wheel Backspacing

Are you looking to buy new wheels for your truck, Jeep, or SUV? Aside from the standard measurements of diameter, width, and bolt circle, there are a few other values you should be familiar with. Of course, I'm referring to a wheel’s offset and backspacing–two values directly correlating to fitment. 

You’ve likely heard these two terms before, or at the least, have read them on the spec sheets of your favorite wheel manufacturers and retailers, like RealTruck. However, without the proper knowledge, these values are nothing more than a jumbled mess of numbers! That’s why, in this article, we’re detailing the ins and outs of backspacing and offset, including what these two values measure, the units of measurement used, how each is calculated, and how exactly they differ from one another. And by the end of this article, you’ll be a wheel fitment expert! 

Now, let’s get rolling.

Backspacing is a similar measurement, though not calculated in the same fashion or with the same units of measurement. This numerical value describes the distance of the mounting flange from the rear lip of the wheel in inches. Returning to the example above, in which a wheel is eight inches wide with a +0mm offset, the resulting backspacing is simply the wheel’s width divided by two, considering that the mounting flange falls directly in the wheel’s centerline, in the case of this example, our imaginary wheel has a backspacing of four inches. 

In most cases, it’s best to order aftermarket wheels with backspacing similar to your vehicle’s factory wheels to prevent contact with suspension components, brake lines, etc.

Backspacing and Fitment

VIDEO: Wheel Fitment Explained

Offset Vs. Backspacing

So, what are the key differences between these values? For starters, both are measured in different units, with backspacing using inches and offset using millimeters. Additionally, offset utilizes negative values, whereas backspacing sticks to positives. 

With these surface-level differences aside, we can view the two measurements in relation to one another rather than focus on their differences. With other values defined, like a wheel’s width, these two measurements essentially determine the same thing: the position of the wheel’s mounting flange; only offset measures this value according to the wheel’s centerline, and backspacing measures this value according to the wheel’s rear lip.

You can also use these values to determine one another; for instance, if we know that a nine-inch-wide wheel has a +25MM offset (1”), then we know that the mounting flange is pushed one inch towards the outer face of the wheel. To determine the backspacing, simply divide the wheel’s width by two and add or subtract the offset. In this case, we’d perform 9/2+1, granting us a backspacing of 5.5 inches! 

Alternatively, If we know the backspacing and width of the same wheel, we can perform a similar equation to grant us the offset. In this example, divide the width by two, and subtract the resulting value from the backspacing. In this case, we’d perform 5.5 - (9/2), granting us an offset of 1 inch, or +25mm. 

So what have we learned? Let’s look at a few key takeaways:

• Backspacing is the distance of a wheel’s mounting flange to the rear lip in inches

• Offset is the distance off-center of a wheel's mounting flange in millimeters

• Both values accomplish essentially the same measurement in different ways (the position of a wheel’s mounting flange)

• Both values are related, but not identical

• Offset can present in positive or negative values

• Backspacing only presents as positive values

• Both values help to determine the position of a wheel in relation to your vehicle’s body

  
  

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact our qualified sales staff, or check out our video tutorials.