What is ISO 3911 about?
ISO 3911 presents a vocabulary of terms related to, and systems for the designation and marking of, wheels and rims intended for use with pneumatic tyres. The intention is to define fundamental wheel and rim terms rather than provide a comprehensive tabulation of all-wheel design features.
ISO 3911 also specifies the content, location and minimum size of the wheel and rim marking, with the purpose of establishing, on a worldwide basis, a uniform identification system for wheels and rims.
Who is ISO 3911 for?
ISO 3911 on wheels and rims for pneumatic tyres — vocabulary, designation and marking is applicable to:
- Pneumatic tyres wheel and rims manufacturers and suppliers
- Pneumatic tyres wheel and rims users
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Vehicle industry
Why should you use ISO 3911?
The terms and definitions used for wheels and rims for pneumatic tyres can sometimes be different depending on the region and type. It is important to have a common vocabulary, designation and marking on a worldwide basis.
ISO 3911 specifies terms and definitions for wheel and rim components and types. ISO 3911 gives guidelines for wheel and rim size designation which will make it easy for you to understand the size of the wheels and rims.
ISO 3911 provides marking guidelines for wheels and rims.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS ISO 3911:2021 is the fourth edition that cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 3911:2004), which has been technically revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
- 3.8.1, optional bead seat profiles have been added
- Contre-pente (cp) hump in figure 10 has been omitted
- Definition for five-piece rims have been amended to include 6-, 7-, 8- and 9-piece rims
- 4,0- and 5,0-wheel designation and marking have been added, and annexes have been deleted
- Manually adjustable wheel graphic in Figure 8 has been made common with power-adjustable graphic

