You don't need special equipment to get a useful number. Here's how to weigh a wheel or tire, from most to least accurate, and how to make your reading comparable with everyone else's.
1. Postal, shipping or platform scale (best)
A flat scale that can take 50 lb or more is the most accurate option. Lay the wheel or tire flat on it, face down, and make sure nothing hangs over the edge onto the floor. Readings are usually good to within 0.1 lb.
2. Hanging or luggage scale (good)
Hook the scale through a spoke or the center bore (use a strap for a tire) and lift until it hangs freely and stops swinging. Most luggage scales are accurate to about 0.2 lb. Check yours first with something of known weight, like a 25 lb plate or a gallon jug of water (8.3 lb).
3. Bathroom scale (rough)
Weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the wheel, and subtract. Bathroom scales are often off by a pound or more, and the error doubles because you weigh twice. Repeat it three times and average the results. Use this only if you have nothing better.
What to include, and what to leave off
- Weigh the bare wheel if you can: no tire, valve stem, TPMS sensor, center cap, lug nuts or balance weights. That's the standard way, and it's how manufacturers quote weights.
- If you can't remove something, note it. A TPMS sensor adds about 1 to 2 oz, a center cap 1 to 4 oz, and balance weights can add several ounces.
- For tires, say whether it's new or used, and the tread depth if used. A worn tire can weigh 2 to 3 lb less than a new one.
- Write down the size, offset and bolt pattern. They're usually cast or stamped on the back of the wheel's spokes.
Share your number
Owner scale readings are the most valuable data on this site, because they show what wheels really weigh, not just what the maker claims. Submissions with a photo of the scale reading get approved fastest.