PCB Standard Thickness: Simple Guide for Beginners

If you’ve ever ordered a PCB or looked at board specifications, you’ve probably seen different thickness options like 1.6 mm, 0.8 mm, or 2.0 mm. But how do you know which one to choose? In this guide, I’ll explain standard PCB thicknesses in simple terms, covering popular sizes, why thickness matters, and how it can affect your project’s performance and durability.

Part 1. What is the standard PCB thickness?

The most commonly accepted standard PCB thickness is 1.6 mm (approximately 0.063 inches). This thickness is widely used across various applications due to its balance of strength, flexibility, and compatibility with standard components and manufacturing processes.

Part 2. What are common PCB thickness options?

Common PCB thicknesses range from 0.2 mm to 3.2 mm. Standard options include 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.6 mm, and 2.0 mm. Some manufacturers also support custom thicknesses depending on material type and layer count.

Part 3. What is the most popular PCB thickness in manufacturing?

1.6 mm (0.063 inches) is the most popular thickness in general PCB manufacturing. It’s considered the industry default due to its mechanical strength and widespread compatibility with both through-hole and surface-mount technologies.

Part 4. What thickness PCB is used for multilayer boards?

Multilayer boards typically range from 1.2 mm to 3.2 mm depending on the number of layers and dielectric materials used. A 4–6 layer board often uses 1.6 mm, while 8–12 layers may require 2.0 mm or thicker boards for structural integrity.

Part 5. How thick is a typical 2-layer PCB?

A typical 2-layer PCB is usually 1.6 mm thick. However, it can also be manufactured in other standard sizes such as 0.8 mm or 1.2 mm, depending on the mechanical and electrical requirements of the design.

Part 6. What is the standard thickness for 4-layer PCBs?

The standard thickness for 4-layer PCBs is also 1.6 mm, though thinner options like 1.2 mm or thicker ones like 2.0 mm are available. The thickness depends on the required dielectric spacing and overall board stiffness.

Part 7. What is the standard PCB thickness for 6-layer boards?

For 6-layer PCBs, 1.6 mm is a common standard, but many designs also use 2.0 mm for better signal isolation and structural support. The final thickness depends on layer stackup and dielectric materials used.

Part 8. How to choose PCB thickness for my project?

Choose PCB thickness based on mechanical strength, electrical performance, component type, and impedance control. Thicker boards are sturdier but cost more and may reduce flexibility. Thinner boards are lighter and cheaper but may be fragile or less suitable for connectors and through-holes.

Part 9. Does PCB thickness affect performance?

Yes, PCB thickness affects mechanical durability, thermal management, and electrical characteristics such as impedance and signal integrity. Thicker boards handle more heat and stress, while thinner ones support smaller, lighter devices. Impedance control also relies on precise thickness.

Part 10. What is the standard PCB copper thickness?

The standard copper thickness for PCBs is 1 oz/ft², which equals approximately 35 microns (1.4 mils). Other common options include 0.5 oz (17.5 µm) and 2 oz (70 µm), depending on the current-carrying needs. Heavy copper options up to 6 oz are available for power boards.

Part 11. FAQs About PCB Thickness

How does PCB thickness impact impedance?

PCB thickness affects trace impedance. Thicker boards require wider traces for the same impedance, impacting high-speed signal performance.

What is the difference between board thickness and copper thickness?

Board thickness refers to the total PCB thickness. Copper thickness is just the conductive layer’s thickness, usually 0.5–2 oz.

Can I customize PCB thickness for my order?

Yes, most manufacturers offer custom PCB thickness options based on project needs, within tooling and material limits.

What is the thinnest PCB thickness available?

The thinnest standard rigid PCB is 0.2 mm. Flexible PCBs can be even thinner, like 0.1 mm.

What is the thickest PCB thickness manufacturers offer?

Most manufacturers can produce up to 3.2 mm thick PCBs, and some special boards may go beyond 4 mm.

Is there a standard PCB thickness for flexible PCBs?

Flexible PCBs are commonly 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm thick, much thinner than rigid boards for flexibility.

What PCB thickness is used for LED boards?

LED boards often use 1.6 mm thickness, sometimes 2.0 mm or thicker, especially for aluminum-backed PCBs for heat dissipation.

How does PCB thickness affect durability?

Thicker PCBs offer more mechanical strength and can withstand bending better, improving durability.

Does PCB thickness matter for high-frequency applications?

Yes, precise thickness control is crucial for impedance matching and minimizing signal loss in high-frequency circuits.

What is the industry standard tolerance for PCB thickness?

Typical thickness tolerance is ±10%, but it may vary based on materials and layer count.

A professional with over a decade of experience in the PCB depaneling industry.