Standard PCB Thickness Guide
Standard PCB thicknesses (0.8mm to 3.2mm) with layer count, use cases, and design considerations.
Industry Standard
De Facto Standard
1.6 mm = 62.99 mil = 0.063"
Recommendation
Use 1.6mm unless there is a specific requirement otherwise
Standard PCB Thicknesses
| Thickness (mm) | mil | inch | Layer Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 mm | 15.7 | 0.016" | 2-4 layers typical |
| 0.8 mm | 31.5 | 0.031" | 2-6 layers typical |
| 1 mm | 39.4 | 0.039" | 2-6 layers typical |
| 1.6 mmstandard | 63.0 | 0.063" | 2-12 layers typical |
| 2 mm | 78.7 | 0.079" | 4-16 layers typical |
| 2.4 mm | 94.5 | 0.094" | 6-20 layers typical |
| 3.2 mm | 126.0 | 0.126" | 8-24+ layers typical |
Thickness Guidelines
Typical: 2-4 layers typical
Applications
- ->Flex-rigid transition zones
- ->Ultra-thin wearables
- ->Smart cards (ISO 7810)
- ->Memory cards
Advantages
- +Ultra-compact designs
- +Fits in thin enclosures
- +Lighter weight
Disadvantages
- -Very fragile — handle with care
- -Limited layer count
Specialty thickness for space-constrained applications. Requires careful handling during assembly. Not suitable for connectors or mechanical mounting points.
Typical: 2-6 layers typical
Applications
- ->Compact consumer electronics
- ->Portable devices
- ->Bluetooth/Wi-Fi modules
- ->SSD drives
Advantages
- +Half the weight of 1.6mm
- +Good for tight enclosures
- +Standard option at most fabs
Disadvantages
- -Reduced mechanical strength
- -May warp during reflow
Popular choice for portable electronics. Check connector datasheets — many assume 1.6mm boards. Use support fixtures during high-temp reflow.
Typical: 2-6 layers typical
Applications
- ->Thin laptops and tablets
- ->Compact IoT devices
- ->Memory modules (DIMM)
- ->Mini-ITX boards
Advantages
- +Good balance of thin and sturdy
- +Compatible with most connectors
- +Widely available
Disadvantages
- -Less rigid than 1.6mm
- -Limited layer count for HDI
Common in applications where 1.6mm is too thick but 0.8mm is too fragile. JEDEC DIMM standard. Many RF modules use 1.0mm.
Typical: 2-12 layers typical
Applications
- ->General-purpose PCBs
- ->Industrial controls
- ->Desktop computer motherboards
- ->Network equipment
Advantages
- +Industry standard — most widely supported
- +Excellent mechanical strength
- +Compatible with all connector types
Disadvantages
- -May be too thick for compact devices
- -Heavier than thin alternatives
The de facto standard PCB thickness. Always start with 1.6mm unless there is a specific requirement for thinner/thicker. All fabs support this, all connectors assume it, best pricing.
Typical: 4-16 layers typical
Applications
- ->High layer count boards (10+ layers)
- ->Backplanes
- ->Heavy copper power boards
- ->Industrial equipment
Advantages
- +Excellent rigidity
- +Accommodates more layers
- +Better heat spreading
Disadvantages
- -Heavier and larger
- -Higher material cost
Used when layer count or copper weight pushes beyond 1.6mm stackup limits. Common in datacenter and telecom backplanes.
Typical: 6-20 layers typical
Applications
- ->High layer count backplanes
- ->Server motherboards
- ->Telecom infrastructure
- ->Military/aerospace thick boards
Advantages
- +Maximum layer count capacity
- +Excellent mechanical strength
- +Good for large connectors
Disadvantages
- -Specialty thickness — longer lead time
- -Higher cost
Heavy-duty boards for infrastructure. Aspect ratio (thickness/hole diameter) becomes a constraint — 10:1 is typical limit, so minimum PTH is ~0.25mm.
Typical: 8-24+ layers typical
Applications
- ->Large backplanes
- ->Military specification boards
- ->High-power RF amplifiers
- ->Power distribution boards
Advantages
- +Maximum rigidity
- +Highest layer count
- +Best thermal mass for power
Disadvantages
- -Very heavy
- -Expensive
Extreme thickness for specialty applications. Minimum PTH diameter is ~0.3mm (12:1 aspect ratio). Often uses sequential lamination.
Related Calculators
Stackup Builder
Calculate trace width for target impedance across PCB stackup configurations. Select layer count, dielectric, and copper weight for 50 ohm or custom Z0. Free, instant results.
Controlled Z
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Microstrip Impedance
Calculate microstrip impedance using Hammerstad-Jensen equations. Get Z0, effective dielectric constant, and propagation delay for PCB trace design. Free, instant results.