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!

Wheel Offset

To begin, let’s cover wheel offset. This value is commonly seen when shopping for aftermarket wheels and presents as a positive or negative value, such as +0 or -44.

What Is Offset?

Wheel offset refers to the distance of a wheel’s mounting flange, or the flat portion of the wheel that fits against your vehicle’s hub, from the wheel’s centerline measured in millimeters. For example, if a wheel is eight inches wide and carries a +0mm offset, that means that the mounting flange of the wheel is positioned at the exact centerline of the wheel, with four inches to the front and four inches to the rear.

Positive Vs. Negative Offset

As previously mentioned, a wheel's offset can either be positive or negative, depending on which direction the mounting flange deviates from the wheel’s centerline. Positive offset refers to a wheel in which the mounting flange is pushed closer toward the outer lip, resulting in a recessed, sunken-in appearance. Inversely, negative offset refers to the mounting flange positioned further inward from the wheel’s centerline, thus prompting the wheel to protrude further from the body. 

Most factory wheels feature a high offset, such as a +45, which keeps the wheel tucked tightly against the body and prevents water, mud, and kicked-up debris from splashing along the body and onto other drivers. However, most aftermarket wheels feature far lower offsets, which push the wheel further outward for a “flush” appearance, in which the wheel is practically aligned with the upper edge of the fender, or “poke,” in which the wheel protrudes further past the fender.

Wheel Backspacing

With a basic understanding of offset under our belts, let’s get into our next value: backspacing.

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!