Choosing the right ATV or UTV wheels involves more than matching the bolt pattern and wheel diameter.
Two specifications that are often overlooked—but can make a major difference in how a wheel fits your machine—are wheel offset and backspacing.
If you've ever seen wheel specifications such as 4+3, 5+2, or 6+1 and wondered what those numbers mean, this guide will help.
Understanding offset and backspacing can help you avoid clearance problems, select the right wheel for your application, and build a wheel-and-tire combination that works the way you expect.
What Is Wheel Offset?
Wheel offset describes where the wheel's mounting surface sits in relation to the wheel's centerline.
In simple terms, offset determines how far the wheel sits inward or outward relative to the hub.
There are three basic types of offset:
Positive Offset
With positive offset, the wheel's mounting surface is positioned toward the outside/front face of the wheel.
This generally places more of the wheel toward the vehicle.
Zero Offset
With zero offset, the mounting surface is approximately centered between the wheel's inner and outer edges.
Negative Offset
With negative offset, the mounting surface is positioned toward the inside of the wheel.
This generally moves more of the wheel outward from the vehicle.
For ATV and UTV wheels, however, you'll frequently encounter a different way of describing offset.
What Does 4+3 or 5+2 Wheel Offset Mean?
ATV and UTV wheels are often described using a split measurement rather than a conventional positive or negative offset number.
For example:
4+3
or
5+2
These numbers describe how the wheel's width is distributed relative to the mounting surface.
A 4+3 wheel is generally describing a wheel with approximately:
- 4 inches on one side of the mounting surface
- 3 inches on the other side
for a total nominal wheel width of approximately 7 inches.
Similarly:
5+2 = approximately 7 inches total
The important thing to understand is that the first and second numbers aren't simply interchangeable.
Changing from a 4+3 configuration to a 5+2 configuration changes where the wheel sits relative to the hub.
That can affect:
- Inside suspension clearance
- Fender clearance
- Steering clearance
- Track width
- Tire position
- Overall stance
What Is Wheel Backspacing?
Backspacing is the distance from the wheel's mounting surface to the inside edge of the wheel.
Imagine laying the wheel face-down and measuring from the wheel's mounting pad straight to the inner lip of the wheel.
That measurement is the wheel's backspacing.
For example:
4 inches of backspacing
means there are approximately four inches between the wheel's mounting surface and its inside edge.
Backspacing is particularly useful when you're trying to determine how much room a wheel will have between the tire/wheel assembly and components on the inside of the machine.
Offset vs. Backspacing: What's the Difference?
Offset and backspacing describe related characteristics, but they aren't the same measurement.
Think of it this way:
Offset tells you where the mounting surface sits relative to the wheel's centerline.
Backspacing tells you how far the mounting surface is from the wheel's inside edge.
Both can tell you important things about where the wheel and tire will ultimately sit.
This is why it's important to pay attention to the actual wheel specifications rather than assuming two wheels of the same diameter and width will fit identically.
Why Does Offset Matter on an ATV or UTV?
Changing wheel offset can move the tire assembly closer to or farther away from various components.
Depending on the machine and wheel combination, that can affect clearance around:
- A-arms
- Tie rods
- Shocks
- Brake components
- Steering components
- CV axles
- Fender wells
- Body panels
A wheel that fits the hub perfectly can still create a clearance problem if its offset isn't appropriate for the application.
That's one reason bolt pattern alone does not guarantee wheel fitment.
How Does Offset Affect Track Width?
Changing offset can also change the overall stance of an ATV or UTV.
Moving the wheel outward can increase the distance between the left and right tire contact patches.
Moving the wheel inward can reduce that distance.
The resulting change depends on the original wheel specifications and the replacement wheel specifications.
This is important because wheel offset isn't simply an appearance decision.
Changing the wheel position can influence the vehicle's steering characteristics and the relationship between the tire, suspension and chassis.
What Happens When You Move the Wheel Outward?
A wheel configuration that places the tire farther outward can provide additional clearance from some suspension components.
It can also change the vehicle's stance.
But moving the wheel outward isn't automatically an improvement.
Potential considerations include:
- Increased track width
- Changes in steering feel
- Increased tire exposure outside the fender
- Different scrub-radius characteristics
- Additional stress on certain components depending on the application
- Different clearance at full steering lock
The correct choice depends on the machine and intended use.
What Happens When You Move the Wheel Inward?
Moving the wheel inward can provide a narrower stance and may keep the tire farther inside the body.
However, excessive inward positioning can create clearance issues between the tire/wheel and:
- Suspension components
- Steering components
- Brake components
- Shocks
- Inner bodywork
Again, more inward or more outward isn't inherently better.
The goal is appropriate fitment.
Why Wheel Width Matters
Offset and backspacing can't be considered independently from wheel width.
Consider two wheels that both have a nominal 14-inch diameter.
One might be:
14x6
while another is:
14x8
Even if both wheels have the same bolt pattern, their width and mounting geometry can produce substantially different fitment.
That's why a proper wheel fitment check should consider:
Diameter + Width + Bolt Pattern + Offset/Backspacing
rather than any one measurement by itself.
Tire Width Makes the Equation Even More Important
The wheel is only part of the package.
The tire mounted on the wheel determines the final overall width and clearance requirements.
For example, a wider tire mounted on a wider wheel can create additional clearance considerations even if the wheel itself appears to fit.
Before ordering a new wheel-and-tire combination, consider:
- Tire width
- Tire diameter
- Wheel width
- Wheel diameter
- Wheel offset
- Backspacing
- Suspension clearance
- Fender clearance
- Steering clearance
The complete combination needs to work together.
Does a Different Offset Change Tire Clearance?
Yes.
Imagine two wheels with the same:
- Diameter
- Width
- Bolt pattern
but different offsets.
The wheels can position the tire differently relative to the vehicle.
One may place the tire closer to an A-arm while another moves the tire farther away.
At the same time, moving the wheel outward can create a different clearance relationship with the fender or body.
That's why simply asking:
“Will a 14-inch wheel fit?”
isn't enough information.
A better question is:
“Will this specific 14-inch wheel, with this width, bolt pattern, offset/backspacing and tire combination, fit my exact machine?”
What Does 4+3 Mean?
Let's look at a common example.
A wheel described as:
4+3
generally represents a wheel where approximately four inches of its width are on one side of the mounting surface and three inches are on the other.
That gives a nominal total width of approximately seven inches.
The mounting surface isn't centered.
Now compare that with:
5+2
That's also approximately seven inches total, but the mounting position is different.
Even though both are nominally seven-inch-wide wheels, they can place the tire differently on the machine.
Same diameter + same nominal width does not necessarily mean same fitment.
How Do I Know Which Offset I Need?
This is where machine-specific fitment information becomes important.
Start with the exact:
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Model year
- Trim or edition, if applicable
Then determine the factory wheel specifications.
From there, consider what you're trying to accomplish.
Are you replacing factory wheels?
A replacement wheel that maintains similar dimensions and mounting geometry can make the transition relatively straightforward.
Are you installing larger tires?
You'll need to consider the additional tire diameter and width along with wheel offset and available clearance.
Are you changing the stance?
Wheel offset can be one component of the setup, but it should be selected with the suspension, steering and tire combination in mind.
Are you building a mud setup?
Aggressive tires may be substantially wider or taller than the factory tires, making complete fitment evaluation even more important.
Don't Choose Offset Based on Appearance Alone
A more aggressive-looking stance can be appealing.
But wheel fitment should come before appearance.
Before selecting a wheel because you like how far it pushes the tire outward, check the complete setup.
A wheel that looks great in a product photo doesn't tell you how it will interact with your specific:
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Fenders
- Tires
- Lift kit
- Spacers
- Other modifications
Fitment should always come first.
What About Wheel Spacers?
Wheel spacers effectively change the position of the wheel relative to the hub.
That means they can alter the same general relationship that wheel offset influences.
If you're considering spacers, don't use them to compensate for an unknown or incorrect wheel fitment without first understanding the complete setup.
Additional hardware also introduces another component into the wheel mounting system, so manufacturer specifications and proper installation are important.
How Tire Size Can Change the Clearance Equation
It's easy to focus on the wheel and forget that the tire can be the larger clearance concern.
For example, increasing from a smaller factory tire to a significantly larger tire can affect:
- Fender clearance
- Suspension clearance
- Steering clearance
- Tire-to-tire clearance
- Ground clearance
- Drivetrain behavior
The tire may also change width substantially.
This is why a wheel can technically fit while the wheel-and-tire combination does not.
A Simple Wheel Fitment Checklist
Before ordering ATV or UTV wheels, verify all of the following:
☐ Exact make
☐ Exact model
☐ Model year
☐ Trim/edition when applicable
☐ Bolt pattern
☐ Wheel diameter
☐ Wheel width
☐ Offset
☐ Backspacing
☐ Tire diameter
☐ Tire width
☐ Tire manufacturer's approved wheel width
☐ Brake clearance
☐ Suspension clearance
☐ Steering clearance
☐ Fender/body clearance
☐ Load capacity
If you're changing from the factory wheel and tire combination, also consider whether the new setup changes the vehicle's overall stance or steering characteristics.
The Bottom Line: Offset and Backspacing Matter
When you're shopping for ATV or UTV wheels, bolt pattern is only one piece of the fitment puzzle.
Wheel diameter, width, offset and backspacing determine where the wheel sits.
The tire's diameter and width determine how that wheel-and-tire package interacts with the rest of the machine.
The best setup is the one that provides the appropriate clearance and specifications for your particular ATV or UTV and the way you intend to use it.
Before purchasing, don't just ask:
“Will this wheel bolt on?”
Ask:
“Will this complete wheel-and-tire combination fit my exact machine?”
That's the question that can save you from an expensive fitment mistake.
Need Help Finding the Right ATV or UTV Wheels?
Start with your exact make, model and year, then verify the wheel's:
Bolt Pattern → Diameter → Width → Offset → Backspacing → Tire Size → Clearance
Ride Direct provides ATV and UTV wheels, tires, parts and accessories, along with fitment information designed to help riders make more informed purchasing decisions.
Shop your machine-specific options at RideDirect.com and verify fitment before ordering.
