How to Determine PCB Board Thickness?

February 25, 2026

PCB boards serve as the carrier for electronic components, and their thickness directly impacts circuit performance and manufacturing costs. So, how do you determine PCB thickness?

01 Check Markings on the PCB Board

PCB surfaces typically have markings printed in the center or around the edges, such as production date, manufacturer, and model information. PCB thickness can also be found in these markings. The abbreviation "T" or "TH" is commonly used to indicate PCB thickness, with the unit being millimeters (mm). For example, if the marking reads "T1.6," the PCB thickness is 1.6mm. Note that some PCB markings may be non-standard, worn out, or completely absent, requiring us to determine thickness through physical measurement.

02 Measure the Physical Dimensions of the PCB

Measuring PCB thickness requires tools such as calipers or a micrometer. Generally, you can first measure the length and width of the PCB, then measure its thickness. Since the outer copper layer thickness on PCBs is typically 1 oz or 2 oz, subtracting 1.4mm or 2.8mm from the total measured thickness gives you the effective thickness of the PCB substrate. For example, if the measured physical thickness is 1.8mm, the effective thickness would be approximately 0.4mm.

03 Impact of PCB Thickness on Circuit Design

PCB thickness directly affects circuit design and performance. On one hand, thinner PCBs can improve frequency response characteristics and stability while reducing crosstalk and noise interference. On the other hand, thicker PCBs enhance mechanical strength and anti-interference capabilities, and can reduce heat dissipation issues. Therefore, when designing circuits, PCB thickness needs to be considered based on actual requirements.

04 Impact of PCB Thickness on Manufacturing Costs

Compared to thinner PCBs, thicker boards require more materials and processing steps, resulting in higher manufacturing costs. However, for certain large circuits or those needing to withstand higher mechanical stress, using thicker PCBs is necessary. Manufacturers must determine PCB thickness based on customer requirements and production costs.

When designing and manufacturing circuits, it is essential to comprehensively consider both practical needs and cost factors to select the appropriate PCB thickness.