Help Centre
Steering Wheel Size Guide
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Steering wheel diameter affects how a car feels to drive: a smaller wheel turns in faster and gives a sportier, more direct feel, while a larger wheel gives more leverage and can feel calmer at low speed.
Most modern cars use a wheel somewhere between 360 mm and 380 mm. Below you can measure yours in under a minute, and see what size is standard for your type of vehicle.
How to Measure Your Steering Wheel (2 minutes)
You only need a tape measure. Measure from the outside edge of the rim on one side to the outside edge on the other side, straight across the centre of the wheel.
- Park the car with the wheels straight and the steering wheel centred.
- Hold the tape across the middle of the wheel, level with the centre hub.
- Measure from the outer edge of the rim to the outer edge on the opposite side — the widest point.
- Read the value in millimetres. That number (for example 370 mm) is your wheel diameter.
Tip: measure the rim itself, not the spokes, and not the airbag cover. If your measurement lands between two sizes, take the larger value.
Standard Steering Wheel Diameters
Most production cars fall into a small number of sizes:
| Diameter | Inches (approx.) | Typically found on |
|---|---|---|
| 340–350 mm | 13.4–13.8" | Compact sports cars, classic racing wheels |
| 360 mm | 14.2" | Small hatchbacks and some sports models |
| 365–370 mm | 14.4–14.6" | Most modern sedans — BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen |
| 380 mm | 15.0" | Larger sedans, SUVs and older vehicles |
| 390–400 mm | 15.4–15.8" | Trucks, vans and classic cars |
The 370 mm size is the most common on modern German sedans, which is why so many custom steering wheels are built around it.
Which Size Do You Need?
If you are replacing the wheel on a standard car, the safest choice is the size your car came with — the airbag, controls and trim are designed around it.
When you order a custom wheel from RYDEMARK we confirm the correct diameter and fitment for your exact vehicle before production, so you do not have to guess.
| If you want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| A factory-feel replacement | Keep the original diameter (usually 370 mm) |
| A sportier, more direct feel | A slightly smaller wheel (360–365 mm) |
| More leverage at low speed | Keep the original size or go slightly larger |
| A flat-bottom design | Diameter stays the same — only the rim shape changes |
Does a Different Diameter Still Fit?
A different diameter can usually be fitted as long as the wheel keeps the correct spline, hub and airbag mounting for your car — but a smaller wheel can obscure the instrument cluster, and a larger one can foul the driver's legs.
For most drivers the practical answer is simple: stay close to the original diameter, and change the materials, grip thickness and rim shape instead. That is where the biggest difference in feel comes from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard steering wheel size?
Most modern passenger cars use a steering wheel between 360 mm and 380 mm in diameter. 370 mm is the most common size on modern German sedans such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
How do I measure my steering wheel?
Measure from the outer edge of the rim on one side to the outer edge on the other side, straight across the centre of the wheel. The value in millimetres is your steering wheel diameter.
What size steering wheel do I have?
The easiest way is to measure it with a tape measure across the widest point. You can also check your vehicle's workshop manual, or send us a photo and your make, model and year and we will confirm it for you.
Are all steering wheels the same size?
No. Diameters typically range from about 340 mm on compact sports cars to 400 mm on trucks and vans, and the grip thickness and rim shape vary as well.
Can I fit a smaller steering wheel?
Often yes, provided the wheel keeps the correct spline, hub and airbag mounting for your car. However a smaller wheel can obscure the instrument cluster, so most drivers stay close to the original diameter.
Does the steering wheel diameter affect the airbag?
The airbag itself is designed around the steering wheel's centre hub and mounting, which is why we confirm fitment before production and reuse the original core where required.