Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the backbone of nearly all electronic devices, from smartphones and laptops to industrial machinery and automotive systems. One critical aspect of PCB design and manufacturing that often gets overlooked is PCB board thickness.
In this guide, we’ll explore the standard PCB board thickness, factors that influence it, tolerance levels, and how choosing the right thickness can impact the performance and durability of your final product.
What Is Standard PCB Board Thickness?
The standard PCB board thickness is 1.57 mm (0.062 inches), which has become the industry norm over the years. This thickness balances mechanical strength, flexibility in design, and compatibility with through-hole components.
Many PCB manufacturers, including MKTPCB, use 1.57mm PCB thickness as a baseline unless otherwise specified. It fits well with conventional manufacturing equipment, connectors, and mounting systems, making it a reliable default choice.
Why 1.57mm PCB Thickness Became Standard
The 1.57mm PCB thickness became the standard due to:
- Historical precedent from early consumer electronics
- Compatibility with through-hole component leads
- Adequate rigidity and durability
- Cost-effective fabrication using FR-4 material
- Seamless integration into existing hardware cases and connectors
While 1.57mm is the typical PCB thickness, it’s not the only option. Depending on your application, thinner or thicker boards might be necessary.
PCB Thickness Standards: Industry Overview
The IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) outlines general PCB thickness standards, including tolerances and acceptable variations. Common standards include:
| Board Type | Typical Thickness Range |
| Single-layer | 0.2 mm – 1.6 mm |
| Double-layer | 0.4 mm – 2.0 mm |
| Multilayer | 0.6 mm – 3.2 mm (or more) |
Multilayer boards tend to be thicker due to their board stack-up thickness, which includes multiple layers of copper, prepreg, and substrate.
📌 Tip: Always refer to a PCB board thickness chart from your manufacturer to ensure your design fits within tolerances and industry standards.
PCB Board Thickness Chart (Metric and Imperial)
Here’s a quick PCB thickness guide that displays the most common options available in both metric and imperial units:
| Metric (mm) | Imperial (inches) |
| 0.2 mm | 0.0079 in |
| 0.4 mm | 0.0157 in |
| 0.6 mm | 0.0236 in |
| 0.8 mm | 0.0315 in |
| 1.0 mm | 0.0394 in |
| 1.57 mm | 0.0620 in |
| 2.0 mm | 0.0787 in |
| 2.4 mm | 0.0945 in |
| 3.2 mm | 0.1259 in |
These metric PCB thickness values are readily available from most manufacturers and can be selected based on design needs.
Multilayer PCB Thickness: How It Affects Your Design
Multilayer PCBs can have between 4 to 50+ layers, and their thickness depends on:
- Number of layers
- Dielectric thickness
- Copper weight per layer
- Desired impedance control
- Final application requirements
A standard 4-layer PCB might be 1.6 mm thick, while a 10-layer board may exceed 2.4 mm. As the layer count increases, so does the board stack-up thickness.
✅ Best Practice: Always consult your PCB fabricator to get an accurate thickness based on your layer stack-up and material selection.
PCB Thickness Tolerance: How Much Is Acceptable?
Even with precision manufacturing, some variation in PCB thickness is inevitable. PCB thickness tolerance is typically around ±10% of the nominal value.
For example:
- For a 1.57 mm board, tolerance may range from 1.41 mm to 1.73 mm.
Tolerances are influenced by:
- Material compression during lamination
- Copper layer etching
- Resin flow and curing processes
Understanding these tolerances is crucial, especially when your design involves tight mechanical enclosures or impedance-sensitive RF circuits.
Does PCB Thickness Impact Performance?
Absolutely. The thickness of a PCB can directly influence:
1. Mechanical Strength
- Thicker PCBs are more rigid and durable.
- Thinner PCBs are flexible but prone to bending or breaking.
2. Thermal Management
- Thicker boards dissipate heat better but may retain it longer.
- Thinner boards cool faster but may have thermal limitations.
3. Signal Integrity
- Controlled impedance is easier to maintain with specific thicknesses.
- Signal loss or crosstalk may increase on boards with incorrect stack-ups.
4. Component Compatibility
- Some connectors and component leads are designed for specific standard PCB board thicknesses.
Choosing the wrong thickness could lead to mechanical misfits, especially in high-precision devices like smartphones or medical electronics.
PCB Thickness Guide: Choosing the Right Thickness
Here’s a quick checklist when selecting your PCB board thickness:
| Factor | Recommendation |
| Consumer electronics | 0.8 mm – 1.6 mm |
| Industrial applications | 1.6 mm – 3.2 mm |
| Wearables & IoT | 0.2 mm – 1.0 mm (lightweight and compact) |
| RF & High-frequency boards | As per impedance requirements and dielectric layers |
| Multilayer boards (4+ layers) | 1.6 mm and above, depending on layer count |
When in doubt, refer to a PCB thickness chart or ask your manufacturer for suggestions based on your application.
Custom PCB Thickness Options
Most manufacturers allow customization beyond the standard sizes. At MKTPCB, you can request custom PCB board thickness for prototypes, flexible PCBs, or complex multilayer configurations.
Options typically include:
- Ultra-thin PCBs: As low as 0.2 mm
- Thick PCBs: Up to 3.2 mm or higher
- Hybrid stack-ups for specialized applications
Make sure to communicate your design specifications clearly when requesting a quote.
Environmental Factors That Affect PCB Thickness
Over time, PCB thickness can also be impacted by environmental conditions such as:
- Humidity
- Thermal cycling
- Chemical exposure
- Mechanical vibration
To combat these, materials with better thermal and dimensional stability like FR-4, polyimide, or ceramic substrates are used based on application needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most common standard PCB board thickness?
The most common standard PCB board thickness is 1.57 mm (0.062 inches), widely used across multiple industries.
2. Can I order PCBs thinner than 1.57 mm?
Yes, you can order thinner PCBs (as low as 0.2 mm). These are commonly used in flexible electronics, wearables, and space-constrained devices.
3. How much tolerance is standard for PCB thickness?
Standard PCB thickness tolerance is around ±10%, depending on material and layer count.
4. Does PCB thickness impact board performance?
Yes, thickness affects mechanical strength, thermal management, signal integrity, and component compatibility.
5. Is there a PCB thickness chart I can reference?
Yes, most manufacturers, including MKTPCB, provide a PCB board thickness chart showing metric and imperial values.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the correct standard PCB board thickness is critical to ensuring your product meets mechanical, electrical, and thermal performance criteria. While 1.57 mm remains the industry standard, variations exist for different applications.
By understanding PCB thickness standards, tolerances, and performance implications, you can make smarter design decisions. Always consult your PCB manufacturer to match your project’s technical needs with available board stack-up thickness options.
At MKTPCB, we help engineers and product developers source high-quality PCBs with the ideal board thickness for their specific application. Whether you’re building a high-frequency multilayer board or a simple prototype, we offer full customization with tight tolerance controls.
