What determines the price of a PCB, and how to lower it
The factors behind a PCB quote, from the most to the least influential, and practical ways to reduce the cost of prototypes and small series.
The factors behind the price
| Factor | Effect on the price |
|---|---|
| Board area and quantity | The larger the board, the more panel area it uses. The price per piece falls as the quantity grows, because set-up work is shared. |
| Number of layers | 1, 2, 4 or 6 layers: every step adds lamination, drilling and processing. |
| Material | Standard FR4 is the baseline. IMS aluminium boards and options such as a higher glass transition temperature (Tg 150 or 170) are priced separately. |
| Thickness and copper weight | Standard thickness and 35 µm copper are the economical choice; thicker copper and unusual thicknesses cost more. |
| Trace width and spacing | The standard class is the cheapest; finer classes are an upgrade. |
| Holes | The number of holes and the smallest drill diameter (from 0.3 mm) influence drilling time. |
| Colours | Standard solder mask and silkscreen colours are included; other colours carry a small surcharge. |
| Delivery time | Standard production starts at 9 working days; urgent production is faster and costs more. |
| Delivery format | Single boards or a panel, with or without technological margins, change the material used and the handling. |
| Certificates | An RoHS certificate is available as an option on any order. |
The 100% electrical test (short circuit and open circuit) and AOI are included at no extra charge on every board.
Ten ways to lower the price without losing quality
- Use the standard stack-up and thickness for your layer count.
- Choose the standard trace and spacing class unless the design needs finer.
- Keep the number of layers as low as the design allows — a well-routed 2-layer board often replaces a 4-layer one.
- Use standard colours for solder mask and silkscreen.
- Avoid very small drills and a large number of different drill sizes.
- Fit the board outline to the panel: a size that wastes panel area costs more.
- Merge several designs or variants into one order when the specification is the same.
- Order the quantity you will really use — the price per piece drops noticeably with quantity.
- Plan the lead time: standard delivery is always cheaper than urgent.
- Send complete, checked Gerber files, so that no time is lost on questions (see our Gerber guide).
Get the exact price
Enter layers, size, material and quantity in the price calculator and you get an instant estimate in euros, with shipping shown as a separate, optional item. Our sales team then sends the official offer, within 1 business day. If your board is unusual — special stack-up, unusual size or quantity — contact us and we will advise on the most economical specification. Our offers are addressed to professional customers (B2B).
Frequently asked questions
What influences the price of a PCB the most?
The board area, the number of layers, the quantity, the lead time and options such as copper weight, thickness and special features. The area and the layer count usually weigh most.
Why does the price per board fall with higher quantity?
The fixed work of setting up the order is spread over more boards, so each board carries a smaller share of it.
How do I get a price quickly?
Enter your specification in the price calculator and upload the files: you get an instant estimate in euros. Our sales team then sends the official offer.
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