Wheel Offset vs Wheel Backspacing

What is Wheel Offset?

Wheel offset and width go together in that the wider the wheel, the deeper the wheel face is toward the inside of the wheel. Some wheel sizes on RealTruck.com are only available in one offset, but others give you a choice. Keep the following in mind:

Negative Offset

A negative offset gives an inset or deep-dish look: -44 is deeper than -12. The wheel will also stick out from the truck. Keep in mind that some states require fender flares to cover the width of the wheel and tire.

0mm Offset

A neutral offset, the wheel face is in the center of the rim. 

Positive Offset

The higher the number, the less lip there is on the wheel and the more forward the wheel face will be. A 20mm offset means the wheel face is more toward the outside of the vehicle than a 1mm offset.

Offset Examples

The examples below show offsets from one extreme to the other. Notice how deeper offsets cause the wheels to stick out farther.

What Is Backspacing?

To get your current backspacing measurement, measure from the wheel mount surface to the inner lip of the wheel. If you are buying a set of aftermarket wheels but keeping your suspension the same, you should try to keep the measurement as close as possible to your stock backspacing. If you have a lift kit, or are installing a lift kit with your new wheels, you will need to check with the lift kit manufacturer to get the correct backspacing requirements, as it will likely differ from the stock measurement.

Backspacing is measured from the wheel's mounting plate to its inner lip.

How to Measure Offset and Backspacing

Wheel Offset

Wheel Backspacing