Raspberry Pi Model B Board Dimensions Guide
This article provides the comprehensive physical specifications and dimensions for the standard Raspberry Pi Model B form factor. It outlines the exact printed circuit board (PCB) footprint, mounting hole placements, and the height profiles of key components. This breakdown serves as a vital blueprint for engineering custom enclosures, integrating the credit-card-sized computer into industrial hardware, or designing custom 3D-printed cases.
Core Board Dimensions
The foundational PCB layout for the flagship Raspberry Pi Model B series (including the Pi 1 Model B+, Pi 2, Pi 3, and Pi 4 families) follows a standardized footprint. While port arrangements have shifted across generations—such as the transition from standard HDMI to dual micro-HDMI ports—the outer boundary of the bare board remains uniform.
- Length: 85.0 mm
- Width: 56.0 mm
- PCB Thickness: 1.6 mm
It is crucial to note that the total physical envelope extends beyond these bare board numbers. Connectors like the USB ports, Ethernet jack, and micro-SD card slot overhang the edges of the PCB by several millimeters. When factoring in these components, the overall functional footprint expands to approximately 88 mm in length and 58.5 mm in width.
Mounting Hole Layout
Secure mechanical installation depends on four integrated mounting holes. These holes are specifically engineered to accommodate M2.5 screws or standoffs.
- Hole Diameter: 2.7 mm
- Horizontal Distance (X-axis): 58.0 mm between center points
- Vertical Distance (Y-axis): 49.0 mm between center points
- Corner Offsets: The centers of the mounting holes are positioned exactly 3.5 mm inward from the adjacent edges of the PCB.
The board corner radius itself is 3.0 mm, aligning symmetrically with the positioning of the outer mounting holes.
Component Heights and Vertical Clearance
The vertical layout, or Z-height profile, dictates how much overhead room is required inside an enclosure. Measurements are typically taken from the highest point of a component down to the top surface of the PCB substrate.
| Component / Section | Average Height Profile |
|---|---|
| Ethernet Jack | 16.0 mm (Highest component on the board) |
| USB Ports | 15.0 mm to 16.0 mm |
| 40-pin GPIO Header | 8.5 mm |
| HDMI / Audio Jacks | 6.0 mm to 7.0 mm |
| Main SoC Chip | 1.5 mm to 2.2 mm (Varies with thermal spreaders) |
| Under-board Clearance | 2.5 mm to 3.0 mm (For micro-SD slot and solder joints) |
When designing a case, a total internal height clearance of at least 20.0 mm above the top of the PCB is recommended to accommodate adequate ventilation, heat sinks, or ribbon cables connected to the display (DSI) and camera (CSI) ports.