When shopping for aftermarket wheels, two of the most important terms you'll hear are wheel width and offset. While they may seem technical, understanding these concepts is essential for choosing wheels that fit properly and perform at their best. At Velgen Wheels, we specialize in luxury aftermarket wheels and are here to break down the difference between width and offset to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Wheel Width?
Wheel width refers to the distance between the inner and outer edges of the wheel barrel, measured in inches. This measurement doesn’t include the wheel lip, just the space where the tire bead sits. For example, if a wheel is listed as 20x10, the “10” indicates the width in inches.
Wider wheels offer more surface area for mounting tires, which can enhance traction and grip—ideal for performance vehicles or aggressive builds. However, it's important to choose a width that your vehicle can support without causing clearance issues or putting unnecessary stress on suspension components.
What Is Wheel Offset?
Offset measures how the wheel is positioned in relation to the hub mounting surface. It’s measured in millimeters and falls into three categories:
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Positive Offset: The hub mounting surface is closer to the front (outside) of the wheel. This is common in most modern vehicles and keeps the wheels tucked in under the fender.
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Zero Offset: The hub mounting surface is exactly centered in the wheel barrel.
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Negative Offset: The hub mounting surface is closer to the rear (brake side) of the wheel, pushing the wheel outward. This is popular with deep-dish and aggressive off-road wheel setups.
Choosing the correct offset is crucial. Too much positive offset can make the wheel sit too far inward and cause rubbing on the suspension. Too much negative offset can push the wheel too far out, creating clearance problems with fenders.
How Width and Offset Work Together
Wheel width and offset go hand in hand. For example, increasing wheel width without adjusting the offset can push the inner barrel closer to suspension components, risking contact. A wider wheel may require a lower offset to maintain proper clearance on both sides.
Let’s say your factory wheels are 20x8.5 with a +40mm offset, and you're considering upgrading to a 20x10.5 wheel. To maintain similar inner and outer positioning, you'll need to reduce the offset—something like +30mm may be a better fit. This ensures the inner barrel doesn't hit your struts, and the outer edge still clears the fender.
Why It Matters for Performance and Fitment
Proper wheel width and offset ensure:
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Optimal stance and fitment without rubbing
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Improved handling, traction, and cornering
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Safe clearance from brakes and suspension
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A flush or aggressive aesthetic, depending on your goals
Incorrect fitment can lead to premature tire wear, steering problems, or even damage to the wheels and suspension.
Let Velgen Help You Find the Perfect Fit
At Velgen Wheels, we precision-engineer wheels to perfectly match a wide range of high-performance and luxury vehicles. Whether you’re building a street cruiser, track weapon, or show car, we help you get the sizing right the first time.
Our team can assist you with recommended specs for your make and model to ensure flawless fitment and maximum performance. You can also check out our wheel fitment guides and explore our collection of flow-formed and forged wheels built with both style and function in mind.
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