Wheel Offset Explained + Calculator

Wheel Offset Explained

Positive vs negative offset, poke vs tuck, and a free calculator to see exactly how a new wheel will fit.

Wheel offset is the single most important number for getting wheels that fit. This guide explains it with diagrams and includes an interactive calculator.

Wheel Offset Calculator

Compare your current wheel to a new one to see how far it moves out (poke), in (tuck), and toward your suspension.

Current wheel Width (in)
Offset (mm)

New wheel Width (in)
Offset (mm)

What is wheel offset?

Offset is the distance, in millimeters, from the wheel's mounting hub face to its true centerline. Positive offset puts the mounting face toward the street side, tucking the wheel inboard (common on most modern cars). Negative offset moves the face inboard, pushing the wheel outboard for a poked, aggressive look. Zero offset sits the face exactly on the centerline.

The blue line is the mounting face. The further it sits toward the street side (positive), the more the wheel tucks in; toward the brake side (negative), the more it pokes out.

Offset vs. backspacing

Backspacing measures the same geometry from the back of the wheel in inches. More backspacing pulls the wheel inboard; less pushes it out. The calculator converts between them for you.

How offset affects fitment and rubbing

Changing offset moves both edges of the wheel. Pushing the wheel out (lower/negative offset) gives a flush or poked stance but can rub the fender; pulling it in (higher offset) adds fender clearance but can rub the strut or control arm. Width matters too - a wider wheel at the same offset moves both edges outward.

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Wheel offset FAQ

What is wheel offset?

Wheel offset is the distance (in mm) between the wheel's mounting hub face and its centerline. Positive offset means the mounting face sits toward the street side, pulling the wheel inward; negative offset pushes the wheel outward for a more aggressive, poked stance.

What is the difference between offset and backspacing?

Offset is measured from the centerline in millimeters; backspacing is measured from the back lip to the mounting face in inches. They describe the same geometry two different ways - our calculator shows both.

Does lower offset stick the wheels out?

Yes. Lowering offset (or going more negative) moves the wheel outward - more poke and a flusher fender fit, but watch for rubbing. Use the calculator to see exactly how far the outer edge moves.

How does offset affect rubbing?

Offset changes where both the outer and inner edges of the wheel sit. Too much poke can rub the fender; too little can rub the strut or control arm. The calculator flags both directions.