---
title: What is wheel offset and why does it matter?
description: If you’re shopping for new wheels, you’ve probably seen the term wheel offset - but what does it actually mean?
---
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# What is wheel offset and why does it matter?
## Wheel offset measures how far a wheel sits inward or outward from your vehicle’s hub, affecting both appearance and fitment.
If you’re shopping for new wheels, you’ve probably seen the term **wheel offset** - but what does it actually mean?
Wheel offset is the distance between the centerline of the wheel and the mounting surface (the part of the wheel that sits against your vehicle’s hub). This measurement determines how far your wheels sit in or out relative to your fenders.
There are three types of offset:
**Positive Offset**
When the mounting surface sits *in front of* the wheel’s centerline (closer to the street side), the wheel has a positive offset.
- Wheels with positive offset tend to sit more tucked inside the wheel well.
- Most modern vehicles come with positive offset from the factory.
**Negative Offset**
When the mounting surface sits *behind* the wheel’s centerline (closer to the suspension side), the wheel has a negative offset.
- Wheels with negative offset stick out further toward or past the fenders.
- This creates a more aggressive, wide stance look.
**Zero Offset (0mm)**
When the mounting surface lines up exactly with the centerline of the wheel, it has zero offset.
- This places the wheel evenly balanced between inward and outward positioning.
In simple terms, the lower the offset number compared to your vehicle’s stock setup, the further the wheel will sit outward. Choosing the right offset affects your vehicle’s stance, clearance, and overall fitment - so it’s important to get it right.
If you're unsure what offset works best for your build, reaching out to a fitment expert can help ensure you get the look and performance you're after.
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