Complete Guide to ATV Wheel Offset: What Riders Need to Know

How ATV Wheel Offset Works: The Basics

Among the top questions riders ask us is: "What exactly does wheel offset mean for my ATV?" Simply put, offset determines your wheel's positioning relative to your machine's chassis. Each rim features an offset expressed through two numerical measurements in inches.

The initial number represents the distance from the wheel's inner edge to the mounting surface where your hub connects. The second number indicates the span from that mounting point outward to the rim's outer edge.

Take a wheel marked 4+3 as an example: you'll find 4 inches spanning from the inner edge to the hub mounting area, with an additional 3 inches extending from the hub to the outer edge. Combine both figures to calculate your rim's total width. Below you'll find visual examples and detailed explanations to clarify ATV wheel offset configurations.

Decoding Positive and Negative Offset Values

What Makes an Offset Positive?

Positive offset configurations place the majority of the rim behind your ATV's hub, with minimal material extending forward. You'll recognize positive offsets by their larger initial measurement followed by a smaller second number—configurations like 4+2, 5+2, 4+3, and 5+3.

What Makes an Offset Negative?

Negative offset designs feature less material behind the hub and push more rim outward from the mounting surface. These measurements reverse the pattern, showing a smaller first number and larger second number—such as 2+5, 3+4, and 3+5.

Offset Requirements for Straight Rear Axle ATVs

Front Wheel Specifications: Your front wheels require positive offset configurations. Several options work depending on your chosen rim manufacturer, but always select specifications where the initial measurement exceeds the second—options include 4+2, 4+3, and 5+2.

Rear Wheel Specifications: Rear wheels need negative offset setups. Available choices vary by rim brand, but you'll want the first number smaller than the second—common selections are 2+5, 3+5, and 3+4.

Offset Guidelines for Independent Rear Suspension Systems

Independent rear suspension owners have flexibility in their approach:

Uniform Width Approach: Purchase identical rim widths for all four corners. When selecting matching widths front and rear, choose the same positive offset across your entire ATV. Depending on your specific machine, this might be 5+2, 4+3, or 6+1—applied uniformly to both axles. This strategy works excellently despite most stock configurations using varied widths. Feel free to deviate from factory specs by running identical rims at all positions with either matching tire sizes or different tire widths mounted on uniform rims.

Varied Width Approach: Select different rim widths for front versus rear positions. Some manufacturers offer narrower front options and broader rear alternatives mirroring factory setups. With this strategy, maintain positive offsets at both ends, though the specific measurements will differ due to width variations. Typical configurations might pair 4+2 or 4+3 up front with 4+4 or 5+3 at the rear, depending on available options for your selected rim style.

Achieving a Wider Stance with Offset Selection

Wide stance configurations (negative offsets) exclusively suit ATVs and UTVs equipped with independent rear suspension, and availability varies by fitment. These setups primarily benefit UTVs by expanding track width and enhancing stability. Some ATV owners also utilize them for a more aggressive, extreme appearance.

To substantially broaden your machine's stance, select rims with negative offset measurements where the initial number falls below the second—configurations like 2+5, 3+4, and 3+5. Alternatively, wheel spacers provide another method for increasing your vehicle's track width.